The LEOs support some 6,500 client micro-enterprises across the country and last year created over 7,100 new full and part-time jobs.

Announing the allocation of the money, Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor said: “Since their establishment in April 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have been facing increased demand for their services as the economy recovers. I am pleased to be able to enable the LEOs to cater for identified demand by adjusting the allocation of the Capital funding available for local enterprise development this year. This re-allocation of €1.85m in local enterprise development Capital funding will help the LEOs to support micro-enterprises to create or sustain over 300 jobs in LEOs across the country.

“I would encourage all micro and small business owners to engage with the LEO for their area, even if they don't currently need financial support; I think they would be surprised at the quality and usefulness of the supports that would be made available to them.”

Minister of State for Employment & Small Business Pat Breen said: “I am pleased that micro enterprises across the country are being further supported today to assist them in creating or sustaining local jobs that are the back bone of our economy.  The Local Enterprise Offices are a key service in supporting these entrepreneurs or existing businesses and they provide an excellent first-stop-shop service for micro and small businesses in every county in Ireland.”

Details of the allocations to individual LEOs are set out below.