Kildare LEO supported companies create over 300 jobs in 2024
Head of Kildare LEO Jacqui McNabb
Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) supported the creation of 323 jobs in 2024, however when you take into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading or transferred to Enterprise Ireland, there were 163 net jobs created by LEO Kildare supported clients in 2024.
Nationally, LEOs now financially support 39,541 jobs across 7,176 companies, the highest number since the inception of LEOs in 2014.
These figures were revealed by Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke recently.
“The results are a testament to Ireland’s small business community,” said Jacqui McNabb, head of enterprise, tourism and economic development at Kildare County Council.
“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.
“The LEOs across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism.
“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."
She added: “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 supports there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”
In 2024 there were 7,104 new jobs created by national LEO clients’ companies w ith a net jobs creation figure of 2,459, up 7% from 2023.
Out of the jobs created, 81% were outside of the Dublin region.
“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.
“The continued broadening of the Local Enterprise Office remit highlights the value they add to our SME community. It has never been easier for a small business to access supports through their LEO, including companies looking to digitalise their operations, to take their first steps in sustainability or identifying new markets.
“These areas will be key pillars going forward to ensure our small businesses can continue to compete both at home and abroad. Government is firmly committed to supporting them all the way.”
Kildare and other LEOs across the country also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Energy Efficiency Grant, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
