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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
NetApp
Vanguard
Regeneron
Shutterstock
Mediolanum
$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.

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.

Ireland’s robust regulatory landscape a key factor

Ireland’s robust regulatory landscape a key factor

We are a steward of the assets of 50 million clients around the world. What’s important to them is that we are a trusted organisation, and the products and services that we offer are trusted. The UCITS framework, as overseen by the Central Bank of Ireland, has the interests of investors at heart. What Ireland offers is a robust and retail-oriented regulatory framework aligned to what we want to offer to our clients.

Biologics leader scales rapidly across two strategic sites in Ireland

Biologics leader scales rapidly across two strategic sites in Ireland

In order to make space in our New York facilities to accommodate our COVID-19 efforts, we needed to ramp-up capacity here in Limerick. Despite ramping up commercial production sooner than planned, my team hasn’t missed a beat. You can only perform like this if you have good people, and Ireland has lots of good people, so we are excited to be hiring 400 more.

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.

The European asset management HQ for the group set up in Dublin in 1997

The European asset management HQ for the group set up in Dublin in 1997

What makes the Irish ecosystem unique from other financial services centres in Europe is the breadth of different types of companies and businesses in the financial services industry, paired with the presence of a massive technology cohort. The location has helped a lot of cross-pollination and access to talent with the mindset of the tech companies. Today, financial services companies must become tech companies; you need these cultures blending together if you want to stay relevant.

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