1084. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the rationale underpinning the allocation of grant aid and other financial supports by enterprise support agencies; whether eligibility for, or the level of, support available to a business is influenced by its geographic location; the areas that qualify for enhanced levels of support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59133/26]

The rationale underpinning the allocation of grant aid and other financial supports by the enterprise development agencies is to support sustainable business growth, job creation, productivity improvements, innovation, export development and regional economic development, in line with national enterprise policy objectives. Agency supports are awarded in accordance with the relevant programme criteria and applicable national and EU State Aid rules.

In general, businesses throughout the State may apply for a wide range of supports from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices and other enterprise support bodies. These supports include, for example, research, development and innovation aid, environmental aid, training aid, consultancy supports and assistance available under the De Minimis Regulation. Such measures are available irrespective of geographic location.

However, eligibility for, and the maximum level of, certain forms of State aid can be influenced by a business's location. Under EU Regional Aid Guidelines, enhanced levels of support may be provided in designated “assisted areas” identified in Ireland’s Regional Aid Map for 2022-2027. Regional Aid is intended to encourage investment and employment in relatively disadvantaged areas and to increase their attractiveness for indigenous and foreign direct investment.

Ireland’s current Regional Aid Map, approved by the European Commission and effective from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027, designates areas covering 35.9% of the State’s population as eligible for Regional Aid. These assisted areas include the entire Border region and parts of the West, Mid-West, South-East, South-West, Midland, Mid-East, and other qualifying locations, including certain islands. The map also sets the maximum aid intensities that may be granted in those areas. For large enterprises, aid intensities generally range between 10% and 15%, with higher rates available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Accordingly, while most enterprise supports are available nationwide, businesses located within designated assisted areas may qualify for enhanced Regional Aid support, subject to the terms of the relevant scheme and compliance with State Aid requirements.