Ireland's network of county and city enterprise boards (CEBs) will be paid a €3.3 million funding boost before the end of the year creating more than 450 jobs - many of which will be created in the construction sector.

As small firms develop and expand, they will in turn commission the construction trade to undertake contracts as part of their progression.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen has said that the stimulus will be channelled through the CEBs to help new businesses get off the ground and support existing ones in creating and protecting jobs.

The Taoiseach was joined at the formal announcement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe who revealed the good news on board Cadhla - a 60ft barge business operated by City Canal Cruises which has received already funding from Dublin City Enterprise Board.

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The Taoiseach said the extra money announced today would support new business projects this year and create hundreds of jobs.

"The CEBs' local focus and agile ability to respond quickly to specific business needs are key components in the Government's overall policy to support entrepreneurship, growth and productivity in the micro-enterprise sector," he said.

The country’s network of 35 CEBs supports micro-enterprises employing 10 or fewer workers in the start-up and expansion phases.

They provide business development grants, training and mentoring to small businesses to stimulate local economic activity and entrepreneurship.

The €3.3 million capital allocation is in addition to the €15 million already provided this year to the CEBs whose services have been in increased demand since the economic downturn began.

Minister O'Keeffe said the CEBs play a pivotal role in stimulating local economic development by sustaining and growing the micro-enterprise sector.

"Total net jobs created in CEB-supported companies between 1993 and 2009 was 30,726.

"In addition, significant numbers of people were supported in various management training and capability development programmes," he said.

"The funding boost announced today by the Taoiseach has been made possible by identifying savings in my Department's overall vote which can now be used for creating jobs and building for economic recovery."

(BMcC/GK)