OVER 450 jobs were created in Limerick last year with the help of Local Enterprise Offices (LEO).
453 jobs were created locally by 313 companies who went and sought help from LEO Limerick.
Mike Cantwell, head of LEO Limerick, welcomed the figure, saying that “the results announced are a testament to Limerick’s small business community”.
“When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled, and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced.”
Mr Cantwell said that “the Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses and there is renewed optimism” in their 2024 outlook.
“We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and, as always, with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish.”
“This year will be no different and, as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible support, there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”
Limerick Minster of State Kieran O’Donnell also welcomed the announcement, saying that the figure shows how important LEOs are for businesses.
“Local Enterprise Offices play a hugely important role in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs right across the country, providing expert advice, mentorship, as well as financial supports,” the Minister said.
“From supporting businesses to move online through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, to helping businesses ‘go green’ with the Green for Business Scheme and the new Energy Efficiency Grant, LEO support can make a huge difference to our small businesses.”
“Across Ireland, the LEO network supported over 38,700 jobs from over 7,000 businesses in 2023 alone. Nationwide, a total of 6,640 jobs were created with the support of LEOs in 2023,” Minister O’Donnell said.
Minister Neale Richmond, announcing the job growth, said that “with 82 per cent of new jobs created outside of Dublin, it is clear that our LEOs are supporting businesses right across Ireland”.
“What is also evident is the resilience of Ireland’s fantastic small businesses that have continued to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.”
