Ministers Leo Varadkar and Robert Troy have announced a new €85m fund to help businesses go digital.
The Digital Transition Fund has been allocated funding of €85m during the period to 2026 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. €10m will be available in 2022, and the scheme will be administered by Enterprise Ireland.
Officials indicated that the fund will be used to help companies use digital technology like AI, cloud computing and big data to improve their products, processes, supply chains and services.
The funding will help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from going online to facilitating exporting and to using digital technologies to reach new markets and improve their productivity and competitiveness.
A new website is being developed which will allow companies assess what their needs are and point towards their next steps to improve their offering through digital technology.
In Association with
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar stated: "Digital technology has transformed so much of our everyday lives, vastly improving it in many ways. The trend is only going one way and our lives are only going to become more integrated with digital technology.
“That is why we need to make sure our SMEs are prepared. I know the whole area can be a bit overwhelming to some and many businesses don’t know where to start.
“Rest assured, we will meet you at whatever stage you’re at. We’re also developing a new website that will allow you input your details and find out what help is available for you, according to your individual circumstances."
Minister Troy will host a series of ‘Grow Digital’ workshops in regional locations from the end of June and throughout July.
Grant funding available from the DTF will range from €5,000 for consultancy, to €150,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to implement new lean-digital processes in the business covering production, delivery or organisational methods.
It appears that Digital Transition Fund grants will only be available to clients of Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Udarás na Gaeltachta.
