6.1 Introduction

This RSES – as a regional expression of the national enterprise policy Enterprise 2025 Renewed - is a principle-based framework which sets out Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs) for the Region and guides relevant actors that support the development of the Region. As a statutorily based document the RSES informs effective planning and investments in placemaking throughout the Region that facilitate enterprise development among other objectives. In accordance with Project Ireland 2040 the Region will accommodate around 320,000 additional people in employment.

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Economy & Employment

Enterprise Policy Hierarchy

Enterprise Agencies

The RSES is extremely important within the Enterprise Policy Context, sitting just below national enterprise policy in the enterprise policy hierarchy and is recognised as a vital delivery mechanism to ensure success in business and deliver sustainable employment. The Government’s National Enterprise policy document ‘Enterprise 2025 - Renewed’ aligns itself at the national level with the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 (Project Ireland 2040), whilst the policies of ‘Enterprise 2025- Renewed’ embrace a top down and bottom up approach that ensures realisation of the potential of regions and support enterprises to start and grow.

The central enterprise policy hierarchy, that includes the RSES, is supported by and informs the work and strategies of the Enterprise Agencies at national level. It further informs and supports a number of national enterprise initiatives including for instance, Future Jobs Ireland, Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) and funding allocation through funding streams such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and the funds announced as part of Project Ireland 2040.

It is important to highlight the role of the agencies with responsibility for enterprise development who play a key role in the implementation of this strategy. These include IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland that operate under the auspices of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI). In addition the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) operate as the first stop shop for all small enterprises. The LEOs have been integrated into local authorities and Enterprise Ireland continues to provide the overarching strategic policy direction and coordination services. Other bodies and agencies that provide supports include Teagasc, Fáilte Ireland, Bord Bia, the Irish Film Board, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Western Development Commission, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Although this is not an exhaustive listing, it serves to highlight the somewhat complex enterprise environment that exists today. Appendix C gives an overview of Enterprise Agencies.

This national enterprise policy outlines the necessity to give effect to Project Ireland 2040 and the RSES through effective governance and coordinated implementation, ensuring prioritisation of investments that deliver impact and value for money, taking account of regional development objectives and realities. All Government departments are to align their capital expenditure over the coming years with the ambition and desired outcomes set out in the National Planning Framework. It is specifically acknowledged as part of national enterprise policy that the RSES will give greater effect to Project Ireland 2040, realising the full potential of our regions through investments in placemaking – developing places that are attractive for business investment and for people to live and work, for instance.

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Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy