1050. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports provided by his Department and its agencies to assist Shannon-based companies in accessing new international markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61982/26]

Regional development is a key pillar of national enterprise policy as set out in the Programme for Government and remains a central focus of my Department and its agencies. Enterprise Ireland’s strategy positions international growth as central to its purpose of Accelerating Sustainable Irish Business. This approach is particularly relevant to Shannon and the wider Shannon region, where internationally focused companies are an important part of the regional enterprise base.

Exports from companies supported by Enterprise Ireland reached €38.86bn in 2025, an increase of 8% on the year prior. A new record level for the Irish enterprise base, exports from Enterprise Ireland client companies have increase by 94% over the last decade, when they were at €20.06bn in 2015. Enterprise Ireland’s clients spend €43.73bn in the Irish economy in 2025, this includes expenditure on payroll, goods and services.

Enterprise Ireland helps Irish businesses, including Shannon-based enterprises, with export ambition to become global leaders in their field by supporting them to explore international opportunities and drive global growth. Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams. Businesses in the Shannon region working with Enterprise Ireland can benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits, which are instrumental when growing and scaling internationally.

Enterprise Ireland Market Advisors, based in 42 offices across 30 countries, have the local knowledge and connections to guide companies in Shannon and other regional locations in growing their export sales. Market Advisors are a vital source of market intelligence that can be accessed when planning a go-to-market strategy. They offer practical on-the-ground help and can provide connections to potential customers, partners, and important local stakeholders.

Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre (MRC) supports businesses with extensive market data, in-depth market analysis and tailored insights, so you can take a strategic approach to decisions and gain a competitive edge.

Enterprise Ireland can also offer a range of market access grants to assist companies that are starting out on their export journey. Supports available include the Digital Marketing Capability grant, the Evolve strategic planning grant, the Market Discovery Fund, and the Strategic Marketing Review.

For smaller businesses, with up to 50 employees, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), based within the Local Authorities in the Shannon region, can provide advice and grant assistance to new exporters. The LEOs offer export business advisors, who can provide expert advice on the steps needed to start exporting.

All direct grant supports available through the LEOs are specifically designed to assist small businesses to increase their capacity to export. The LEO Market Explorer grant in particular is designed to enable small businesses to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service. It provides a grant of up to €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs over 18 months and can be used to part-fund the costs that can be incurred investigating and researching export markets.