Enterprise Office-backed firms in Westmeath and Roscommon created 440 jobs in 2024

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) supported companies in Westmeath created 288 jobs in 2024, while those in Roscommon created 153.

This figure was up significantly from the 128 jobs created by LEO Roscommon in 2023.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath-supported clients in 2024 was 178, which takes into account job losses, companies that amalgamated, ceased trading, and those that transferred to Enterprise Ireland.

In Roscommon, the equivalent figure was 91.

The new figures also show that LEO Roscommon financially supported 164 small businesses in their portfolio across the county and these companies in turn employ 1,038 people.

LEO Westmeath financially supported 272 small businesses, which employ 1,737 people.

LEOs across the country are now financially supporting 39,541 jobs at 7,176 companies, which is the most jobs the LEOs have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.

In 2024, 7,104 new jobs were created by LEO client companies, and the net jobs creation figure was 2,459, which was up 7% nationally on the 2023 figure. From the jobs created, 81% were outside the Dublin region.

The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses through programmes such as the Energy Efficiency Grant, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.

Minister for Enterprise Longford/Westmeath TD Peter Burke said: "The 31 LEOs continue to be the primary anchor for economic development in communities across the country.

"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 LEO 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."

Tracey Tallon, acting head of Enterprise for Westmeath, said: "The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. The LEOs 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. 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."

Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, pointed out that the LEO plays a major role in local authority efforts towards supporting and sustaining enterprise and economic development in the country.

Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise at LEO Roscommon said the results “are a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of Roscommon’s business community. These results show that Roscommon businesses, with the support of the Local Enterprise Office, have not only sustained themselves but have also taken advantage of opportunities to grow.”

LEO Roscommon has been instrumental in delivering significant job creation in the past twelve months by supporting new and growing businesses and by securing new clients for the An Ríoga enterprise facility in Boyle and the An Chistin Food Hub in Castlerea.

LEO Roscommon has also been to the forefront in supporting new and existing local businesses through a range of initiatives such as the Start Your Own Business Programme, Grow Digital, Energy Efficiency Grants and supporting local business in the use of AI and other new technologies.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said the results announced reflected “the importance of our small businesses to the economy of the county," and demonstrated "the potential we have within the county."

“Roscommon County Council has invested significant resources in building the enterprise infrastructure in recent years. We anticipate facilities such as An Chistin Food Hub in Castlerea and Monksland Innovation Hub will continue to drive the growth of start-up and scaling businesses," said Mr Tiernan.