A report has found the number of jobs at companies supported by Enterprise Ireland showed a net increase of 2,938 last year, rising to 232,425. The State agency responsible for developing Irish business globally highlighted that 69% of the jobs created in 2025 were located outside the Dublin region, with all nine regions recording growth.
Enterprise Ireland also said it directly invested nearly €50 million in equity last year, leveraging a total of €440 million across its client companies. Individual investments ranged from €100,000 to €2 million, reflecting the agency’s new investment strategy aimed at multi-stage funding to help scaling businesses, moving beyond early-stage support.
Among Enterprise Ireland’s three main sectoral divisions, jobs growth was steady but moderate. The food and sustainability sector now employs 69,295 people, up 0.6%, while the industrial and life sciences sector reached 101,747 jobs, a 2% increase. Technology and services employment rose 0.8% to 61,383. Smaller sectors saw stronger gains, with climate tech and renewable energy up 6.5%, housing rising 4%, and high-tech construction increasing 2.5%. The fintech and financial services sector recorded a 4.9% increase.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke described the results as “indicative of a resilient Ireland that, despite huge global challenges, remains an attractive base for businesses to start, grow and scale.” He said Enterprise Ireland’s increased investment demonstrates how long-term funding can deliver sustainable growth and high-value job creation nationwide. Burke added that continued geopolitical uncertainty makes it essential to build a diversified economy, noting that the Government’s five-year National Development Plan supports this goal.
Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Jenny Melia said the results “demonstrate the strength and adaptability of Irish businesses in a challenging global environment.” She added that the agency will continue to support companies in achieving sustainable growth across all regions and that helping Irish entrepreneurs scale internationally remains a key priority.
Ms Melia also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence for exporters and start-ups. “According to our recent client survey, nearly nine in ten, 87%, of our client base are already integrating or planning to integrate AI into their business operations, with two-thirds believing AI and digitalisation will be critical in winning future international business,” she said.
The results coincided with the announcement of a major expansion at Dublin-based IT services and consulting company Origina, supported by Enterprise Ireland. The company plans to create 350 high-value roles, which are expected to generate up to €28 million in annual direct economic contribution. Origina, which specialises in enterprise software support for vendors including IBM, HCL, and VMware, is also investing in a larger, technology-forward office in Sandyford.
Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon described the Origina expansion as “a huge achievement for a home-grown Irish company, demonstrating that Enterprise Ireland supported companies are competing and succeeding internationally while continuing to invest at home.”
