Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
408. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of enterprise grant approvals and disbursements to small and medium enterprises in County Cork in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the main sectors benefiting from such supports; the measures being taken to further support rural enterprise development in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45866/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available through Enterprise Ireland and other State agencies for job creation in rural towns in Cork, the number of jobs created or supported in the region in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45867/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.
My Department remains focused on supporting regionally balanced economic growth and business supports provided through the enterprise agencies are critical to achieving this objective.
Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2025–2029, “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally,” sets out an ambitious roadmap to strengthen Ireland’s indigenous enterprise base, with a strong focus on regional development, including in County Cork. The strategy aims to accelerate sustainable Irish business growth by positioning exporting companies as a primary driver of the economy, supported by innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.
Enterprise Ireland continues to provide significant supports to small and medium enterprises in County Cork, with total grant disbursements of €16.4 million in 2024 and €18.5 million in 2025, across both enterprise development and infrastructure supports. These supports were provided across key sectors including technology and digital; life sciences and biomanufacturing; agri-tech and sustainable food; energy and offshore renewables; creative industries and design; and neurotechnology, reflecting both national priorities and regional strengths.
Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in County Cork employed 25,596 people in 2025, up from 25,111 in 2024, representing a net increase of 485 jobs over the year. This included 1,352 new jobs created, demonstrating continued growth. These jobs are spread across the county and supported by a strong regional ecosystem, including UCC, MTU, Teagasc, and other research and training bodies.
The three Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in County Cork play an important role as part of a supportive ecosystem providing advice and support to small businesses within the county through a wide variety of direct and indirect supports. The Cork LEOs disbursed €2.2m to SMEs in 2024, and a further €3.7m in 2025. Over the past three years the LEOs in County Cork have provided direct grant assistance to an average of 623 small businesses annually, supporting an average of 3,181 jobs and have seen consistent jobs growth among client businesses, showing a net jobs increase of 199 jobs over this three-year period.
The South-West Region, which includes the counties Cork and Kerry, is also home to 235 IDA client companies, employing 51,968 people. The region has a significant ecosystem of well established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services, Engineering and Industrial Technologies. Employment in IDA client companies in the South West has grown by 17% over the past five years, reflecting consistent and sustainable FDI performance.
The South-West Regional Enterprise Plan (REP) is the government’s strategy for economic and business development in the South-West of Ireland (Cork and Kerry). A mid-term progress review of the plan’s implementation indicates that there has been particularly strong progress in Cork, with clear strategic importance emerging around Cork Harbour and offshore renewables.
In relation to rural enterprise development, a number of targeted measures are being delivered. These include significant investment in regional enterprise infrastructure, such as the €2.7 million Campas Íosagáin enterprise hub in Ballyvourney, as well as funding through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which are supporting early-stage and cluster-based projects across Cork.
In addition, start-up and entrepreneurship supports remain a key focus. Programmes such as New Frontiers, delivered through Munster Technological University, are supporting early-stage businesses with mentoring, funding, and workspace, while strong collaboration continues with Local Enterprise Offices to support microenterprises and businesses in rural towns.
The Government remains firmly committed to supporting enterprise growth and job creation across Cork. This includes a strong emphasis on rural enterprise development, regional balance, and building resilient, innovative businesses that can compete globally, ensuring that communities across Cork continue to benefit from sustainable economic growth.
