Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar announced at a live virtual event, the annual results for 2021 which showed that LEO supported companies created 7,440 jobs around the country in 2021, with 85 per cent of these jobs outside of Dublin.

421 new jobs created by 210 small local businesses

Meath saw a major employment boost last year with the creation of 421 new jobs by 210 small local businesses.

The local businesses and entrepreneurs behind the job creation were supported by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar announced at a live virtual event, the annual results for 2021 which showed that LEO supported companies created 7,440 jobs around the country in 2021, with 85 per cent of these jobs outside of Dublin.

It is the eight year of jobs growth in Meath and LEO now supports 277 small businesses employing 1509 people.

Joe English, Head of Enterprise in Meath County Council, said “The results announced today are a testament to Meath’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves.

The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different and we will continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the wider Meath County Council to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports available.”

Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive of Meath County Council welcomed the employment results. “I am delighted that Meath companies continue to show one of the highest jobs growth figures in the country. As we embark on the development of our new economic strategy, I know that the small business community will continue to deliver a critical part of the growth that is required for our county to prosper in the years ahead.”

Minister Damien English said: “During a very difficult year for many small businesses, this is hugely positive news for the county and highlights the determination and hard work of business owners and workers across the county.

“A total of 1,509 people employed in small businesses across Co Meath benefited from LEO support over the past year.

“With a total of 277 clients, the Meath LEO provides vital support to many of our local businesses, offering advice, mentoring and training, and providing much needed financial backing with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro.

“This support proved particularly valuable over the past almost two years as many businesses were forced to pivot their offerings online or adapt their services to make it through the pandemic. I want to pay tribute to these Meath businesses which have persevered through some of the most difficult times and continued to provide jobs and contribute to our local economy and community.”

Minister Varadkar said, “Over 35,000 people employed in small businesses around the country have been helped in some way by our Local Enterprise Offices.

“They are at the heart of communities in every county, and have proved invaluable throughout the pandemic, during which I know a huge amount of people relied on their local office.

“Last year, businesses supported by LEOs created nearly 3,000 net new jobs, which is remarkable given the year we just had. I’m really pleased to see that 85 per cent of these jobs were outside of Dublin, indicating the Government’s focus on balanced regional development is working.

“These numbers are a real boost today and will contribute to our overall target of having 2.5 million people in work by 2024. Thank you to all our LEO staff for your phenomenal work over the past year.”

The net jobs gain by Local Enterprise Office Meath supported clients in 2021 was 205, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland. In 2021 there were 131 transfers nationally by Local Enterprise Office companies to Enterprise Ireland.