Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific additional financial supports that will be introduced in 2026 and 2027 to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, and the contribution from same to the overall economy particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development remains a priority for my Department and for the Government, as set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022–2030. I acknowledge the valuable role played by enterprise centres and hubs throughout the country. These facilities support people to live and work in their own communities and provide vital assistance to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs. Considerable investment has been directed towards developing these facilities, and the Government remains strongly committed to supporting the sector.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network, following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect that the strategy will include actions to support the expansion of services at hubs and further promote their role and benefits. I expect that actions from this strategy will play an important role in developing the sector.
The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including enterprise centres and hubs, throughout the country via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded through the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland closed to new applications only last week, with the final allocation of funding currently underway. An announcement of the next tranche of successful applications will be made once the allocations are finalised.
The scheme consists of four streams, supporting the development of key local enterprise infrastructure, such as enterprise hubs, clusters, and consortia; programmes that help SMEs foster innovation; and feasibility and priming grants.
The schemes mentioned have already played a significant role in supporting and developing enterprise hubs nationwide, including the delivery of over 60 pieces of physical infrastructure. The Government will, through my Department and Enterprise Ireland, continue to support collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver innovative projects.
It is intended that an assessment of expenditure to date will be undertaken this year. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to the reform of the way that this funding is undertaken, and the Department's assessment of the various funds outcomes will assist in formulating future policy.
