Funding Welcomed For CEB Job Creation Projects

Labour T.D. for Cork South-West, Michael McCarthy, has warmly welcomed news that funding of €3.78m is being provided to County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), to fund job creation projects for the remainder of the year.

"I am more than pleased to learn of this vital funding today, as it further highlights the Government's efforts to support small, local business. A total of €3.78 million is being injected into 30 of our local CEBs, which play a vital role in supporting local enterprises that are the bedrock of our economy.

"The funding will be used to provide direct capital assistance to local enterprise, along with other supports such as mentoring and training. This will encourage these companies to start-up or develop their services, and in doing so, create and sustain jobs in their communities. In my own community of West Cork, a total of €25,000 has been provided to support six jobs, which is to be welcomed.

"The funding supplements the €15 million capital funding already provided to CEBs this year, and has been sanctioned in response to specific requests from CEBs to meet identified demand from micro-enterprises. This shows that the Government are listening closely to CEBs on the ground, and working collaboratively with them to help support vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the workforce.

"This funding dovetails into the Action Plan for Jobs which has already delivered on 96% of its measures for 2012, including the Micro Finance Fund and the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme for SMEs struggling to access credit. The Government is more determined than ever to rebuild a sustainable economy based on enterprise, innovation and exports, today's announcement is further manifestation of that commitment."

(CD)