Menu
04/01/2018
More Than 19,000 New Jobs Created By Enterprise Ireland Companies In 2017
New figures have revealed Enterprise Ireland-backed companies created more than 19,000 new jobs in 2017, with almost 210,000 people now employed in companies supported by the agency.
As the highest total employment achieved in the history of the agency, the figures represent a net increase of 10,309 jobs for 2017, taking account of job losses. In line with total employment levels, the net increase in jobs is the highest on record with Enterprise Ireland. The job creation figures are up on 2016, despite the uncertainty that Irish businesses faced in 2017 in the context of Brexit.
Job creation was evenly spread across the country, with every county and region seeing increased employment. Two thirds (64%) of the new jobs created were outside of Dublin. The West, Mid-West and North West saw the largest level of increases at 7% in 2017.
Enterprise Ireland attributes this strong performance by Irish businesses to the continuing growth of an entrepreneurial climate for start-ups, allied to strong jobs growth in the Construction (8% increase), Engineering (8% increase), Lifesciences (8% increase), Digital Technology (6% increase), Electronics (6% increase), Food (4% increase) and ICT sectors (5% increase).
Making the announcement at the headquarters of Enterprise Ireland client technology company Ding, Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Julie Sinnamon said: "Today's figures represent another year of strong performance by our client companies who now employ over 209,000 people and are a barometer of the robust health of Irish businesses. Despite the challenge and uncertainty created by Brexit, Irish companies have continued to grow their global exports, supporting strong job creation across all of the regions of Ireland.
"At Enterprise Ireland, our Strategy – Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017-2020 – is focused on transforming the innovation and competitive capabilities of Irish enterprise, to expand the global reach of ambitious Irish companies into diversified export markets and we are pleased with the results of the first year of our new strategy. It is imperative, however, that Irish businesses continue to build on the strength of their 2017 performance and implement robust plans to prepare for the impact of Brexit."
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, added: "Today's results are consistent with the strong employment performance across the economy. Whatever the outcome of the complex Brexit negotiations that lie ahead, it is vital that as a country we are ready, and that the Government continues to take initiatives to bolster the capacity of our enterprise agencies to drive exports and support investment.
"As a rural TD from a border area, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing indigenous businesses as a direct result of the UK's decision to leave the European Union. In recent months, Enterprise Ireland, through funding provided by my Department, has launched new measures to strengthen the rural and regional economy, and to provide quicker access to innovation funding for exporting companies.
"Overall, my Department's eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs, which will be a key focus of my work in the coming period, are now embedded across the country. They are excellent examples of government agencies like Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, the Local Enterprise Offices and businesses working together to tackle regional issues. These results mark another step in the right direction for our regional plans."
Today, Enterprise Ireland also announced the launch of a new Market Discovery Fund to support Enterprise Ireland backed companies to diversify into new markets and promote new products to existing markets. The new fund, which is another Brexit response measure, will support companies to appoint in-market accelerators, set up an in-market office, attend and exhibit at trade shows, develop market research and marketing collateral. There are three levels of funding available to companies: up to €35,000, up to €75,000 and up to €150,000.
Announcing details of the new Fund, Julie Sinnamon said: "In the context of Brexit, consolidating exports to the UK, while also expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK, is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. The new Market Discovery Fund, along with our intensive international programme of export focused trade missions, and our recently introduced Agile Innovation Fund, are key supports which will be instrumental to helping even more companies grow and reach new export markets. The new Fund further underpins our goal of increasing exports by €5bn by 2020."
(MH/LM)
As the highest total employment achieved in the history of the agency, the figures represent a net increase of 10,309 jobs for 2017, taking account of job losses. In line with total employment levels, the net increase in jobs is the highest on record with Enterprise Ireland. The job creation figures are up on 2016, despite the uncertainty that Irish businesses faced in 2017 in the context of Brexit.
Job creation was evenly spread across the country, with every county and region seeing increased employment. Two thirds (64%) of the new jobs created were outside of Dublin. The West, Mid-West and North West saw the largest level of increases at 7% in 2017.
Enterprise Ireland attributes this strong performance by Irish businesses to the continuing growth of an entrepreneurial climate for start-ups, allied to strong jobs growth in the Construction (8% increase), Engineering (8% increase), Lifesciences (8% increase), Digital Technology (6% increase), Electronics (6% increase), Food (4% increase) and ICT sectors (5% increase).
Making the announcement at the headquarters of Enterprise Ireland client technology company Ding, Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Julie Sinnamon said: "Today's figures represent another year of strong performance by our client companies who now employ over 209,000 people and are a barometer of the robust health of Irish businesses. Despite the challenge and uncertainty created by Brexit, Irish companies have continued to grow their global exports, supporting strong job creation across all of the regions of Ireland.
"At Enterprise Ireland, our Strategy – Build Scale, Expand Reach 2017-2020 – is focused on transforming the innovation and competitive capabilities of Irish enterprise, to expand the global reach of ambitious Irish companies into diversified export markets and we are pleased with the results of the first year of our new strategy. It is imperative, however, that Irish businesses continue to build on the strength of their 2017 performance and implement robust plans to prepare for the impact of Brexit."
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, added: "Today's results are consistent with the strong employment performance across the economy. Whatever the outcome of the complex Brexit negotiations that lie ahead, it is vital that as a country we are ready, and that the Government continues to take initiatives to bolster the capacity of our enterprise agencies to drive exports and support investment.
"As a rural TD from a border area, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing indigenous businesses as a direct result of the UK's decision to leave the European Union. In recent months, Enterprise Ireland, through funding provided by my Department, has launched new measures to strengthen the rural and regional economy, and to provide quicker access to innovation funding for exporting companies.
"Overall, my Department's eight Regional Action Plans for Jobs, which will be a key focus of my work in the coming period, are now embedded across the country. They are excellent examples of government agencies like Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, the Local Enterprise Offices and businesses working together to tackle regional issues. These results mark another step in the right direction for our regional plans."
Today, Enterprise Ireland also announced the launch of a new Market Discovery Fund to support Enterprise Ireland backed companies to diversify into new markets and promote new products to existing markets. The new fund, which is another Brexit response measure, will support companies to appoint in-market accelerators, set up an in-market office, attend and exhibit at trade shows, develop market research and marketing collateral. There are three levels of funding available to companies: up to €35,000, up to €75,000 and up to €150,000.
Announcing details of the new Fund, Julie Sinnamon said: "In the context of Brexit, consolidating exports to the UK, while also expanding the Irish export footprint in markets beyond the UK, is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. The new Market Discovery Fund, along with our intensive international programme of export focused trade missions, and our recently introduced Agile Innovation Fund, are key supports which will be instrumental to helping even more companies grow and reach new export markets. The new Fund further underpins our goal of increasing exports by €5bn by 2020."
(MH/LM)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 February 2016
1,500 New Jobs Over Three Years With High Potential Start-Up Companies
More than 1,500 new jobs could be created over the next three years by High Potential Start-Up (HPSUs) companies currently being supported by Enterprise Ireland.
1,500 New Jobs Over Three Years With High Potential Start-Up Companies
More than 1,500 new jobs could be created over the next three years by High Potential Start-Up (HPSUs) companies currently being supported by Enterprise Ireland.
01 November 2016
Cyber Security Firm Create 150 New Jobs
Up to 150 new jobs are to be created by Irish Cyber Security firm, Integrity360, at its Sandyford headquarters in Dublin. A total of 50 new positions will be recruited and completed with the support of Enterprise Ireland by the end of this year.
Cyber Security Firm Create 150 New Jobs
Up to 150 new jobs are to be created by Irish Cyber Security firm, Integrity360, at its Sandyford headquarters in Dublin. A total of 50 new positions will be recruited and completed with the support of Enterprise Ireland by the end of this year.
19 February 2014
1850 Jobs To Be Created By 122 Start-Up Firms
1850 jobs will be created over the next three years by 122 High Potential Start-Up companies supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has announced.
1850 Jobs To Be Created By 122 Start-Up Firms
1850 jobs will be created over the next three years by 122 High Potential Start-Up companies supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has announced.
01 March 2017
150 New Jobs Announced For Drogheda
Drogheda-based Mobile Technologies is to create 150 new jobs at it's newly established European Contact Centre Headquarters. Recruitment is already under way for a variety of technology based roles, which are supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
150 New Jobs Announced For Drogheda
Drogheda-based Mobile Technologies is to create 150 new jobs at it's newly established European Contact Centre Headquarters. Recruitment is already under way for a variety of technology based roles, which are supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
10 December 2012
IT Firm Creates 100 New Jobs
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD, today announced that Mandiant, a specialist provider of IT security solutions is to establish an engineering and security operations centre in Dublin with the creation of 100 new jobs.
IT Firm Creates 100 New Jobs
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, TD, today announced that Mandiant, a specialist provider of IT security solutions is to establish an engineering and security operations centre in Dublin with the creation of 100 new jobs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
