Concerns over threat to Mayo family-run business from 'economic fluctuations'
A Mayo member of the Oireachtas has called on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke to consider targeted supports for family-run and seasonal businesses in Mayo.
Deputy Keira Keogh said they are particularly vulnerable to economic fluctuations, in view of the fact that these businesses are often the backbone of the economy in rural areas and require support year round.
In response, Minister of State Alan Dillon said the government fully recognises this reality.
He elaborated: "Rather than narrow, sector-specific schemes, our approach is to ensure that enterprise supports are flexible, accessible and responsive to businesses with different operating models, including those that are seasonal or family owned.
"My department works closely with Fáilte Ireland, the local enterprise offices and Enterprise Ireland to help rural businesses extend trading seasons, manage costs, upskill staff and adapt to changing economic conditions.
"In tourism and hospitality, which are critically important right across the country, Fáilte Ireland provides practical, cost-management supports including free food and beverage and energy costs toolkits and confidential one-to-one clinics.
"These supports are designed specifically to help small, seasonal operators protect margins, reduce waste and improve resilience.
"At a local level, the local enterprise office in Mayo plays a central role, and in 2025 alone it supported 200 client businesses and over 1,380 jobs, with a strong focus on competitiveness, digitalisation and energy efficiency.
"Mayo businesses have also seen a strong uptake in grants such as the energy efficiency grant, green for business, grow digital and LEAN for business.
"Access to these supports have also been simplified to the national enterprise hub that supports over 250 government supports.
"Enterprise Ireland also continues to support job creation and indigenous enterprise growth right across Mayo, with over 6,500 people employed in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies."