Enterprise Ireland has launched an ambitious five-year strategy aimed at driving significant growth in Irish businesses, with a target to create 40,500 new jobs by 2029. The strategy, titled “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally,” sets a goal to raise employment in the companies it supports to 275,000, up from 234,454 in 2023.
The new plan also focuses on expanding exports, with a target of €50 billion in exports by 2029. This comes after Irish businesses reported €34 billion in exports at the end of 2023. The strategy outlines key objectives, including the creation of 1,000 new startups and 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters by 2029.
Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for fostering the development of Irish enterprises in global markets, supports over 4,000 Irish businesses. The agency’s vision for the next five years is to strengthen the export base and position Irish companies as a driving force behind the country’s economy.
Despite global challenges such as potential trade tariffs and economic uncertainties, the strategy highlights the resilience of Irish businesses, which have demonstrated a strong ability to adapt, diversify, and succeed in the face of adversity. Enterprise Ireland aims to support these businesses as they scale internationally, creating more high-value jobs and driving further economic growth.
Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to meet these ambitious goals, citing the current success of companies already supported by Enterprise Ireland. “With companies supported by Enterprise Ireland now employing 234,454 people and generating over €34 billion in exports, this gives Enterprise Ireland a strong platform to launch our strategy,” Sherry said. “Our focus is on helping Irish companies achieve greater scale through international growth.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Peter Burke, also voiced his support for the strategy, emphasizing the importance of Irish exporters to the national economy. “Irish exporters are a critical component of the Irish economy, and the Government is committed to supporting this sector to scale to further heights in the years ahead,” Burke said.
With its focus on job creation, export growth, and business scaling, Enterprise Ireland’s strategy aims to position Irish businesses for continued success on the global stage, even amid uncertain economic conditions.
