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Ireland's Economy

Ireland's Economy

An enduring location for investment

  • Stable, competitive, secure and pro-business, Ireland is a committed member of the EU single market

  • The fastest growing economy in the Eurozone, with sustainably managed public finances and an ‘A’ grade from all major credit rating agencies

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us

An exporting powerhouse

Ireland is connected to the world through our transport links to Europe, the UK and beyond. Overseas companies are significant exporters from here, serving global markets in pharmaceuticals, technology services, medical devices, food and beverages, and financial services.

  • 2nd for exports of commercial services (IMD)
  • 72% of total national exports (2020) were from multinationals in Ireland

Committed EU member

You’ll find us among the most outward looking and internationally engaged countries in the world. We’re the only English-speaking Eurozone country. Our Government and citizens overwhelmingly support EU membership.

  • 83% of Irish people are positive about EU Membership
  • 88% believe that Ireland has benefitted from EU membership

Committed FDI base

Some 1,700 multinationals call Ireland home . They make a positive contribution to Irish society and the economy through direct investment, capital expenditure, job creation, and payroll spending. Many have been here for a decade or more.

  • 72% of national exports and 70% of corporation tax receipts from IDA client companies
  • 25% of private sector direct and indirect employment at multinationals

Enduring economic strength

Ireland’s resilient economy made us one of the best performing advanced economies in the world, even during COVID-19. Our underlying structural strengths and capital investment plans mean we’re well positioned for future growth.

  • 13.5% GDP growth in 2021, driven largely by exports Business environment, demographics, and talent support growth
  • Business environment, demographics, and talent support growth

Pro-business environment

Ireland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in which to do business, supporting FDI growth. Successive governments have maintained this pro-business outlook: we favour green lights over red tape.

  • 4th most competitive economy in the EU, 12th globally
  • 3rd ranked globally for high-value FDI projects

Success Stories: Hear from leaders calling Ireland home

A proven path

See all Success Stories
Blackrock
Ericsson
Shutterstock
NetApp
AMD
Northern Trust
$1.5 trillion of assets under management in its Irish-domiciled funds

$1.5 trillion of assets under management in its Irish-domiciled funds

We find the various government departments very approachable and always open to engaging with the industry, with the IDA a particularly strong partner. The ecosystem is excellent, and by that, I mean not only asset managers but who they interact with, professional services firms, fund service providers and industry associations. They’re arguably the best I know.

One of Ireland’s largest enterprise software development centres 

One of Ireland’s largest enterprise software development centres 

Ericsson creates game-changing technologies and services that shape our future and here in Athlone, as one of Ericsson’s largest R&D centres, we are at the forefront of opening new possibilities in communication for the world.

Technology and language skills an attractive mix for US business

Technology and language skills an attractive mix for US business

We are grateful to have found a home in Dublin for Shutterstock, and the city’s innovative and tech-forward culture makes it the perfect fit for our engineering and research and development teams. Our Ireland hub connects us to key players around the world and helps us drive our business forward relentlessly.

Company set up European HQ in Cork in 2022

Company set up European HQ in Cork in 2022

Cork has become the global hub of choice for international headquarters of technology companies, home to over 100 technology companies. With over 40,000 students across Cork’s two universities, NetApp’s decision to base its international headquarters in Cork provides access to a talent pool that is truly worthy of supporting the robust and evolving technology market. As well as being a part of the vibrant emerging business scene in Cork, NetApp’s hybrid working model means there are opportunities for technical and non-technical candidates across Ireland.

AMD presence in Ireland dates back to 1994 via Xilinx acquisition

AMD presence in Ireland dates back to 1994 via Xilinx acquisition

For nearly three decades, Ireland has been a flagship European R&D centre developing adaptive computing solutions, drawing from a strong and highly-skilled workforce. By further investing and expanding our presence in Dublin and Cork, we are committed to continuing to both drive innovation in Ireland and to support the European semiconductor ecosystem.

Ireland is one of Northern Trust’s largest fund servicing centres in Europe

Ireland is one of Northern Trust’s largest fund servicing centres in Europe

The support of IDA Ireland has been – and continues to be – an important enabler for our operations in Ireland. The IDAs partnership enhances our ability to scale, invest and compete. We have been working closely with the IDA since 2006 to support our growth.

Reasons to invest in Ireland

Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Resilient and flexible infrastructure to support your business

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Quality of life

Quality of life

Work and life. Balanced.

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Talent

Talent

Find and nurture the people you need to make your business thrive here in Ireland

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Ireland's Economy

Ireland's Economy

An enduring location for investment

Read more