Smaller firms - including those in Ireland's construction sector - should be tendering for more public sector contracts.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, wants small businesses to build stronger relationships with the Government's job creation agency, Enterprise Ireland, to improve their procurement practices and get a better grasp of the indigenous enterprise landscape.

He said that Enterprise Ireland is now working closely with targeted public contracting authorities nationally and at local government level where the agency has secured executive buy-in from procurement managers in boosting the participation of small businesses in tender opportunities.

The agency has already connected over 70 of its client firms with public bodies developing a number of programmes that will improve service delivery.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), for example, is developing a number of technology-led solutions which will help improve passenger experiences as they transit through terminals.

-- Advertisement --

The DAA is engaging with a number of Enterprise Ireland high-potential technology firms as part of that process.

Meanwhile, a cluster of Enterprise Ireland clients are engaged around opportunities for the design, build and management of infrastructure supporting the ESB's rollout of electric cars.

Minister O'Keeffe said it was vital that small Irish businesses were fully aware of public sector procurement opportunities: "It is important that public sector organisations develop relationships with Enterprise Ireland so that they have a strong knowledge of the indigenous enterprise landscape.

"Public sector organisations should be aware of the economic impact their procurement spend can have on small Irish businesses and, in particular, the implications for job creation in local communities.

"Irish firms themselves should be given every help to fully engage with the public procurement process so that they can pitch successfully for business opportunities," said Minister O'Keeffe.

The Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland, Frank Ryan, added that many of the agency's client companies have innovative solutions that can bring value and efficiencies to public sector bodies

"We are delighted to work with contracting authorities that are taking positive actions in engaging with Irish small and medium-sized enterprises for increased tender participation.

"Winning reference sites in Ireland is of great importance to our client companies, both in terms of the value of the contracts won and as they seek to internationalise their solutions for export growth.

"We welcome the opportunities which these current engagements are giving and look forward to their conversion into business wins," he said.

(BMcC/GK)