Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Regional development is a key element of the Government's enterprise policy and is fully reflected in the strategies of our Enterprise Development Agencies.

IDA Ireland is targeting that at least half of all investments - that is 400 of 800 - from 2021 to 2024 will go to regional locations. The IDA Mid-West Region, including County Clare, has 159 IDA client companies in the region, employing over 27,000 people, with 70 companies employing almost 6,000 in County Clare itself. The IDA works closely with the existing base of client companies to support their continued growth, as well as looking to locate new investments in the County, and over the past five years employment among IDA clients in Clare has increased by 20%.

Enterprise Ireland has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for business growth in County Clare and through strategic initiatives and partnerships, focused on enhancing the employment attractiveness of the Mid-West region. Enterprise Ireland has 100 clients in County Clare that it works with employing almost 5,200 people and they have facilitated various programs to help businesses adapt to digital and green, providing grants and expertise to encourage sustainable practices and digital transformation. These efforts are designed to position West Clare as a competitive and attractive location for new commerce and industry, leveraging its unique strengths and opportunities.

One of their key strategies has been the development of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare Development Plan 2021-2024, which outlines a comprehensive framework for enterprise development in the area. This plan includes a range of support services tailored to the needs of local businesses, such as advisory services, financial assistance, and training programs aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and innovation. LEO Clare provides direct grants to small businesses, that are specifically designed for growth or exporting and target businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. In 2023 LEO Clare provided over €700,000 in direct grant assistance to help 229 Small businesses supporting 1,393 Jobs across county.