Irish Local Enterprise Offices Hit Record High in Job Support
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Ireland are now financially supporting more jobs in small businesses across the country than ever before. This marks the 11th consecutive year of job growth for the LEOs, as announced by Peter Burke, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
In 2024, 7,104 new jobs were created by LEO-supported businesses, which is a 7% increase from 2023. The total number of jobs financially supported by the LEOs rose to 39,541, up from 38,726 the previous year. These positions are spread across 7,176 client companies nationwide. Significantly, 81% of the new jobs were created outside the Dublin region, underlining the role of LEOs in boosting employment across the country.
The figures also highlighted specific challenges and opportunities in the small business sector. Despite issues around attracting and retaining staff, there was positive growth in several sectors, including technology, food manufacturing, and precision engineering.
“The 31 Local Enterprise Offices continue to be the primary anchor for economic development in communities across the country,” said Minister Burke. “Our LEOs ensure that every small business, regardless of location, has a support system available to them, no matter what their concern.”
John Magee, Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, added: “Year on year the Local Enterprise Offices are continuing to support the growth needs of small businesses across the country. These figures show the impact that LEOs are making and the vital role they play in fostering and growing enterprise in towns, villages and communities all over Ireland.”
The announcement was made at The Black Stuff in Dublin, a company supported by Local Enterprise Office Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. The Black Stuff has seen significant growth, with turnover in 2024 reaching €4.5 million, €3.5 million of which came from export sales. The company added 13 new jobs in 2024.
Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, praised the performance of the LEO network across the country, while Shane Tiernan, Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) Economic Development Committee, emphasised the central role of small and medium-sized businesses in local economies.
Since their establishment in 2014, LEOs have been the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and provide a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector-specific expertise to guide businesses at any stage of their development.
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