New data reveals that employment levels in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Údarás na Gaeltachta have reached an all-time high, surpassing 546,763 jobs. This represents a 1.3% increase compared to 2023.
The Annual Employment Survey 2024 indicates a decrease in job gains last year. Gross job gains totaled 29,722, marking a decline from the 2023 figures. However, job losses also fell significantly, with 22,922 positions lost in 2024 compared to 33,051 the previous year.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) firms saw a slight employment growth of 0.3%, adding 1,064 jobs since 2023. Irish-owned firms demonstrated more robust growth, with a 2.7% increase, translating to 5,966 new jobs.
The sectors experiencing the most growth among Irish-owned firms were energy, water, waste, and construction, followed by business services. For foreign-owned companies, the chemicals and business services sectors led the way in job creation.
A parallel study, the Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact for 2023, reported total sales of €509.7 billion, a 6.8% increase from the previous year’s €477.2 billion. Export activity also grew, with total exports reaching €459.4 billion — a 7% rise compared to 2022. Notably, 92.4% of these exports originated from foreign-owned enterprises.
The data underscores the resilience and growth potential of Ireland's economy despite global economic challenges, with both domestic and foreign enterprises contributing significantly to employment and export growth.
The Annual Employment Survey 2024 indicates a decrease in job gains last year. Gross job gains totaled 29,722, marking a decline from the 2023 figures. However, job losses also fell significantly, with 22,922 positions lost in 2024 compared to 33,051 the previous year.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) firms saw a slight employment growth of 0.3%, adding 1,064 jobs since 2023. Irish-owned firms demonstrated more robust growth, with a 2.7% increase, translating to 5,966 new jobs.
The sectors experiencing the most growth among Irish-owned firms were energy, water, waste, and construction, followed by business services. For foreign-owned companies, the chemicals and business services sectors led the way in job creation.
A parallel study, the Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact for 2023, reported total sales of €509.7 billion, a 6.8% increase from the previous year’s €477.2 billion. Export activity also grew, with total exports reaching €459.4 billion — a 7% rise compared to 2022. Notably, 92.4% of these exports originated from foreign-owned enterprises.
The data underscores the resilience and growth potential of Ireland's economy despite global economic challenges, with both domestic and foreign enterprises contributing significantly to employment and export growth.
