84. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the regional enterprise fund will open for applications; if he will provide details of the eligibility criteria for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62100/22]

Balanced regional development is a priority of mine and Government and is a key component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022 – 2030.

The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has secured up to €145m over the coming years from the European Regional Development Fund to support projects coming from the Regional Enterprise Plans.

I am keen to get this funding out to the regions as soon as possible. My officials are working with Enterprise Ireland on developing the scheme and eligibility criteria with a view to launching the first call in early 2023.