The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Jobs and Minister for the Environment recently launched the nationwide system of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). The network of 31 LEOs will deliver an improved system of local enterprise supports to start-ups and small businesses across the country – with more staff, more funding, and more services being provided.

The establishment of the LEO network means that people thinking of starting or expanding a business in every part of the country will be able to access the full range of State supports provided by different Government bodies – for example local authorities, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, the Credit Review Office, training bodies – in one easily accessible location within the local authority.

The establishment of the LEOs will mean that all categories of business – including sole traders, micro businesses and small and medium sized companies – will have access to Government supports and advice. Previously some businesses – for example, companies who were too large to access CEB supports, but were not exporting and therefore did not qualify for Enterprise Ireland supports – fell through the cracks between different agencies.

Launching the national system of LEOs, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said: "The Government wants to make recovery local. That means supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to create local jobs. We will do this through the new network of LEOs. Jobs are the top priority of the Government and there has been progress in the past year with over 1,000 jobs a week being created in the private sector. The vast majority of these jobs have been created in small, local companies. It is these new companies, employing just a few people that make the biggest difference in driving a jobs recovery. The LEOs will be in the front line in making recovery local."