Goal 1:

Implement the Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 and align with the objectives of the National Planning Framework to ensure balanced economic development in all parts of the country, including regions that may be experiencing specific development challenges.

Help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to start up, scale and access international markets to maximise productivity.

Enable locally trading firms, including co-ops, to thrive.

Broaden and deepen innovation capability across the enterprise sector, in particular the innovation performance of our SMEs and foster good design as an integral part of bringing new products and services to market.

Promote construction sector innovation and modern methods to accelerate delivery of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing.

Progress Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise to further expand our space-active industry, in the context of the sector’s global growth in economic value.

Build on Ireland’s enterprise strengths and potential by leveraging clustering policy and implementing Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, supported by the rollout of European Regional Development Fund programmes.

Ensure that Irish SMEs can access finance, including microfinance, loan guarantees, and seed and venture capital.

Manage an efficient employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market.

Continue to engage at EU level to ensure the Department maximises the opportunities available under the EU State Aid rules.

Outcome

Full employment in all parts of the country, underpinned by a competitive and conducive environment with a resilient, innovative, productive and sustainable enterprise base.

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How we achieve this

Contribute to Ireland’s 2050 carbon neutrality ambition, while strengthening the resilience of our enterprise base, by developing and implementing policies and standards to deliver on the enterprise and non-residential buildings sectoral emissions ceilings in the Climate Action Plan 2023.

Embed decarbonisation measures into enterprise policy and introduce supports for industry to transition to more sustainable environmental practice, reduce carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, and exploit the opportunities of the low carbon economy, including renewable energy opportunities.

Assist SMEs to start their journey towards lower emissions, improved energy and resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact, including through promotion of the Climate Toolkit 4 Business online tool.