Mayo to receive investment from €4.7 billion plan
Minister of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the publication of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment €4.7 billion Sectoral Capital Plan 2026–2030, which he launched alongside the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke.
Minister Dillon said the plan represents “a decisive step in ensuring that growth, opportunity and high-quality jobs reach every region of the country, including here in Mayo and the west.”
The plan forms a central pillar of the National Development Plan and sets out a five-year investment programme to strengthen Ireland’s enterprise base, accelerate innovation, attract next-generation foreign direct investment, and grow the tourism economy.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Dillon said: “Today marks the next phase of the National Development Plan. For my department, it is about making sure growth and opportunity are not confined to a small number of places, but reach every region. Every part of the country must be able to thrive and create sustainable, high-quality jobs for the future.”
He emphasised that regional development must deliver real outcomes for communities: “When local businesses succeed, when retail thrives in our towns and villages, and when people can access good jobs close to home, communities flourish. This plan is about fairness and opportunity, making sure where you live does not determine the opportunities available to you.”
Minister Dillon highlighted that Mayo’s enterprise base made up overwhelmingly of small and family-owned businesses, will benefit directly from targeted supports in the plan.
An allocation of €250 million for Local Enterprise Offices will strengthen the LEO network, which supports over 17,000 businesses and nearly 39,000 jobs nationwide. This will ensure Mayo’s LEO is better equipped to help micro and small businesses grow, digitalise, innovate and remain competitive, supporting employment across towns and villages.
A further €350 million for Regional Development Initiatives will fund new enterprise hubs, innovation infrastructure and advanced manufacturing facilities. This investment will position Ireland to attract new enterprise, support start-ups and expand opportunities in sectors such as semiconductors, chip manufacturing, medtech, engineering, food production, digital services and renewable energy.
The €4.7 billion investment includes: €1.12 billion to help enterprises start, grow and scale; €1.29 billion to attract and sustain inward investment, including €500 million for regional property solutions; €1.33 billion for innovation, research and advanced technologies; €400 million for tourism development and overseas promotion; and €300 million for enterprise decarbonisation.
On tourism, Minister Dillon said Mayo is particularly well placed to benefit from the €400 million allocation, including continued investment in the Wild Atlantic Way, outdoor adventure tourism, heritage attractions and enhanced visitor experiences across rural communities.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of Mayo’s economy. This investment will support local jobs, strengthen our towns and villages, and build on Mayo’s world-class natural and cultural assets.”
Minister Dillon added that the plan complements ongoing Government investment in the west, including transport infrastructure, regional digital connectivity, and expanded education and skills pathways.
Concluding, he said: “At its core, this plan is about fairness, opportunity and regional balance. It is about ensuring young people in Mayo and the west can build careers, start businesses and raise families in their own communities. This investment supports stronger regions, resilient local economies, and a future people can have confidence in.”