Limerick City and County Council has launched a new five-year action plan aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with measures including improved access to public procurement opportunities, business support services and digital capability programmes.

The Limerick Post reports that the Limerick City and County SME Action Plan was developed in partnership with the Council's SME Task Force following engagement with businesses, enterprise organisations and other stakeholders. The plan sets out a roadmap to strengthen the local business environment, encourage sustainable employment and improve the competitiveness of SMEs across the city and county.

Among the key initiatives is a commitment to help local businesses participate more effectively in public procurement, alongside the introduction of AI training and digital capability supports, business advice clinics, funding guidance and workspace solutions through a proposed SME Business Park.

The strategy also includes measures to revitalise city, town and village centres while supporting SMEs to access new markets and improve long-term business resilience.

Chair of the SME Task Force, Councillor Peter Doyle, said the plan focuses on practical actions that will make it easier for businesses to operate in Limerick while ensuring economic opportunities are shared throughout the city and county.

Launching the plan, Mayor John Moran said the strategy is intended to create the conditions for businesses to grow, innovate and create jobs by supporting the region's SME sector.

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said the action plan provides a framework for supporting enterprise and addressing barriers to business growth through collaboration and delivery.

In addition to procurement access, the plan identifies several strategic priorities, including improving access to finance, supporting skills development, enhancing infrastructure and strengthening business support services.

The initiative reflects the growing role of local authorities in developing procurement-ready SME ecosystems, helping smaller businesses build the capability needed to compete for public sector contracts while supporting wider regional economic development.