LEOs can assist in the establishment and/or development of new and existing enterprises (limited company, individuals/sole trader, cooperatives and partnerships) provided that such enterprises/projects are capable of attaining commercial viability and subject to the following eligibility criteria:

Within the eligibility criteria there are certain priorities and restrictions:

• Priority must be given to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sectors which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio;
  
  
• Salary support may be offered to unique tourism services projects that are focused predominantly on generating revenues from overseas visitors and which do not give rise to deadweight and/or displacement in the local economy;
  
  
• This grant aid does not support those areas such as retail enterprises, personal services (eg hairdressers, gardeners, creches etc), professional services (accountants, solicitors etc), construction/local building services, as this is considered to give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where the project would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects imply displace business from other players in the market).
  
  
• The sector of the economy in which an enterprise is operating or intends to operate
  
  
• The size or proposed size of the enterprise
  
  
• Any expenditure incurred, prior to receipt of application form, will not be eligible for grant support.
  
  
• The grant aid is considered to not give rise to unacceptable/ineligible business activities or deadweight (where the project would  have proceeded anyway)

Ineligible Businesses

• Enterprise Ireland / IDA / Údarás na Gaeltachta clients
• Domestically focused retail, personal services, professional services and construction services.
• Are operating in the coal or steel sectors.
• Are involved in activities that Local Enterprise Offices considers as ineligible or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk. Ineligible activities include activities relating to:

1. The gambling sector, including "gaming" (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956)
2. Adult entertainment
3. Tobacco and tobacco related products.
4. Cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines.

Any queries in relating to the eligibility will be directed to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment/Enterprise Ireland Policy department who will assess the case.