Cutting red tape and more support for business in Mayo, claims Minister

Mayo TD Keira Keogh (Fine Gael) from Westport welcomes new dedicated Small Business Unit that will assist businesses in the county.

A new dedicated Small Business Unit, based in the Department Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, will be focusing on the needs of small businesses across the country, including in Mayo, said a Fine Gael Deputy.

READ: Mayo TD calls for ‘common sense’ change to School Transport Scheme

Welcoming the establishment of the Unit, Deputy Keira Keogh said: “SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy, providing employment and economic benefit across the country. They employ two thirds of all people in Ireland and have faced significant cost pressures in recent years.

“The establishment of a new unit dedicated solely to addressing the issues and concerns of small businesses is a very timely development, and I know my colleague, Minister Burke, is eager to ensure no unnecessary red tape or costs are put on small businesses in Mayo.

“Fine Gael is the pro-enterprise party, and we can see our policies working in the latest jobs figures, which show over 90,000 new jobs were added to the economy in the last year. We must ensure we continue to support our small businesses in Mayo and this focus on SMEs at the highest level is a signal of our intent."

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: “Since my appointment as Minister I have put small businesses front and centre of my priorities.

“The Small Business Unit will focus on rigorously implementing the SME Test, to ensure the perspectives of small businesses are considered across Government before new legislation or regulation is introduced. The Unit will simplify the access to grants and supports for businesses though the National Enterprise Hub. It will also ensure the Local Enterprise Offices are properly resourced to help small businesses.

Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon said, “small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. This new Unit shows our commitment to cutting red tape, improving access to supports, and ensuring SMEs are heard in policymaking. We’re focused on delivering real, practical help so small businesses can thrive, grow, and drive local economic success.”