I welcome the launch of Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2025-2029
I welcome the launch of Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2025-2029: Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, highlighting its strong focus on regional economic development, SME growth, and sustainable innovation.
This strategy is a transformative step for Irish enterprise, ensuring that businesses in all regions, including the west, have the support to start, scale, and compete internationally. I fully support its ambitious targets and look forward to seeing Irish companies thrive under this plan.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy sets out major commitments to regional development, including:
1. 275,000 jobs in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies by 2029, up from 234,000 in 2024.
2. €55 billion spent within the Irish economy by supported businesses.
3. 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters, strengthening Ireland’s global trade position.
4. Stronger collaboration with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to provide funding, training, and business growth support to SMEs.
The plan ensures a balanced economic approach, ensuring that businesses in rural and regional areas receive targeted supports for scaling, digitalisation, and green innovation.
“Regional businesses are vital to Ireland’s long-term prosperity. This strategy strengthens the supports available, making sure companies across the country—not just in cities—can scale and succeed.
Some of the key new strategic initiatives to drive innovation & sustainability are:
€300M Green Transition Fund & Industrial Decarbonisation
1. Grants to help businesses cut emissions, adopt clean technologies, and improve energy efficiency.
2. Enterprise Ireland will support a 35% CO₂ reduction by 2030 for Irish manufacturing firms through targeted sustainability funding.
National Enterprise Hub & Regional Innovation Hubs
1. Enterprise Ireland will develop a National Enterprise Hub, a one-stop platform for funding, networking, and business supports.
2. Investment in regional innovation hubs through the €145M Smart Regions Fund will create clusters for high-growth sectors like agrifood, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology.
Enterprise Scaling & Global Market Expansion
1. A new Enterprise Scaling Fund will help Irish SMEs grow internationally and attract private investment.
2. ‘Landing Pads’ in key international markets will support Irish businesses entering new regions.
3. Three new Enterprise Ireland offices will open in Atlanta, Scotland, and Switzerland, strengthening Ireland’s trade network.
AI & Digital Transformation Grants
1. Funding for AI, automation, and digitalisation initiatives to enhance business productivity.
2. Partnerships with European Digital Innovation Hubs to help Irish SMEs adopt new technologies.
I reiterate my strong support for this strategy, emphasising its long-term benefits for Irish businesses:
“Enterprise Ireland’s plan ensures that Irish businesses—no matter their size or location—have the resources to innovate, scale, and succeed globally. By focusing on regional investment, sustainability, and digital transformation, this strategy will shape Ireland’s economic future. I look forward to working alongside Enterprise Ireland to see it deliver real impact.”