Lean Plus

About this scheme

Lean Plus, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Lean Manufacturing Supports, helps companies implement new Lean process innovations to improve productivity, targeting higher quality, faster delivery and reduced waste. Eligible projects include supporting specific process improvement around production or delivery capability, identifying operational waste via value stream mapping, improving lead times through layout and workflow optimisation, improving quality through standardisation and structured problem-solving, reducing cash flow costs via better inventory forecasting, and increasing profitability through improved product planning and supply chain control. Eligible costs cover hiring an approved external Lean coach and part of the salary cost for staff on the project team. General consultancy and capital equipment, materials, or travel/subsistence costs are explicitly excluded. The grant covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €50,000, with projects typically lasting 6-9 months. As with other schemes, payment is made on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

• Engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
• Employ a minimum of 10 staff
• Eligible expenditure: external consultancy (hiring an approved external Lean coach to facilitate the project); part of the salary cost for up to 10 staff members working as part of the Lean project team, capped at a maximum of 50% of the total project cost and which cannot exceed the external consultancy cost
• Ineligible costs: general consultancy (including market research, IT implementation, financial review and planning, HR consulting, or Health and Safety training); capital equipment, materials, or travel and subsistence costs

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
4. 4If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
5. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Claim the grant by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that all approved expenditure has been paid.