Burke outlines scale of supports to Westmeath businesses at Mullingar Chamber event in Tullynally

More than 100 Westmeath businesses have benefited from government supports aimed at reducing costs, improving productivity, and helping firms invest in their futures, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, revealed last week, addressing a Mullingar Chamber of Commerce event at Tullynally Castle.

The supports, including the Energy Efficiency Grant, Grow Digital Voucher, and Lean for Business, are delivered through agencies under Minister Burke’s remit, such as Local Enterprise Offices and Fáilte Ireland, helping businesses in Westmeath and throughout Ireland.

Minister Burke said supporting local businesses remains a priority as firms continue to face cost pressures. “Businesses right across Westmeath have faced significant challenges in recent years from rising energy, labour and operating costs,” he said.

“That is why government have focused on practical measures that help businesses reduce overheads, improve efficiency and build long-term resilience.

“The strong uptake of these schemes in Westmeath shows that local firms are embracing opportunities to become more competitive and future-proof their operations.”

Over the last 12 months, 30 Westmeath businesses secured approval under the Energy Efficiency Grant, which provides funding towards investments in technology and equipment that lower energy consumption and reduce operating costs.

A further 17 businesses availed of the Grow Digital Voucher, helping firms adopt new digital tools, while 21 businesses participated in the Lean for Business programme to identify efficiencies and reduce unnecessary costs.

Minister Burke said those programmes were delivering real benefits for small and medium-sized businesses across the county. “Whether it’s reducing energy bills, embracing digital technology or finding new ways to improve productivity, these supports are helping Westmeath businesses become stronger and more resilient,” he said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. It’s important that they have access to the resources and expertise needed to grow and succeed.”

The tourism and hospitality sector has also benefited, and 18 Westmeath businesses received support through Fáilte Ireland programmes focused on cost management, sales development, climate action and digitalisation.

A further 24 businesses in Westmeath received assistance through the Increased Cost of Business Scheme and Power Up Grant Reclassification Appeal Process, ensuring firms that were previously unable to access supports due to registration issues were not left behind.

Speaking after the Mullingar Chamber event at Tullynally, where he met local businesses and stakeholders, Minister Burke said continued engagement with enterprise groups was helping to shape government policy and supports.

“We know that cost pressures remain a concern for many businesses, and we are determined to keep working with enterprise groups and business owners to address those challenges,” he said.

“That is why we have established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum and continue to drive measures through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. Listening directly to businesses is essential to ensuring that Government supports respond to the challenges they face.

“The message for businesses in Westmeath is clear: supports are available, and we want to see as many firms as possible take advantage of them.”