Enterprise Ireland chief executive Leo Clancy. Photograph: MaxwellsThe value of exports by Enterprise Ireland backed companies reached a record level last year, the agency said, with growth across all sectors.
There was also a record level of investment in research and development, with EI-backed companies spending €1.36 billion over the year. “These exceptionally strong export results follow on from the record number of net new jobs created in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland last year,” said Leo Clancy, Enterprise Ireland chief executive. “There has been positive growth across most sectors and regions, and Enterprise Ireland clients contributed €31 billion to the domestic economy last year in employment and in purchases of materials and services.
“These are really impressive results and a testament to the hard work and resilience of thousands of Irish entrepreneurs and their staff across the country. It is quite remarkable that despite the headwinds we faced last year, not least the realisation of Brexit and the continuing effects of the pandemic, Irish business managed to have a record year for exports - 12 per cent up on the previous year. Behind these figures today are thousands of jobs in every county in the country,” he said.