A new grant has been launched giving small businesses across Ireland the opportunity to invest in energy efficient technologies and equipment.

Introduced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, the Energy Efficiency Grant aims to help small businesses become more sustainable and reduce energy costs.

The grant will be available to companies who, through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes, have identified the technology and equipment need and benefits. The grant will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000.

Minister Coveney said: "The Energy Efficiency Grant is another significant step in helping our small businesses to become more sustainable and to make a significant contribution to reducing their energy output. Everyone must make changes as we aim to become a more sustainable country and small businesses are no different. This grant will make it more feasible for small businesses to engage in this process and hopefully set them on a more sustainable path. The Local Enterprise Office's Green for Micro programme has enabled many small companies to take those first steps and now with the Energy Efficiency Grant they can continue that journey."

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Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Michael Clarke is calling on local businesses to check their eligibility for the scheme. He said: "It is great to see this grant join the suite of practical and impactful supports offered by Local Enterprise Offices. It has been a very difficult year for businesses facing high energy and input costs. I would encourage any eligible business to investigate this grant, which offers a real opportunity to reduce your operating costs and boost resilience, while also lowering emissions and helping Ireland to meet our climate action targets."

Carol Gibbons, Manager of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland added: "This new financial support will enable small businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey. Increasingly, sustainability is seen as a core driver of future growth for small businesses, aligning them to changing consumer demands and ensuring access to business-to-business supply chains. It is important that business supports match this fundamental change and I am confident that the new Energy Efficiency Grant will assist companies across the country on their sustainability journey."