The rate of corporate insolvency in Ireland held steady in the first quarter of 2026, with 212 cases reported, according to PwC’s latest Insolvency Barometer. The figure is only slightly above the recent quarterly average, reflecting continued resilience among Irish businesses amid global economic uncertainty.
PwC noted that the overall insolvency rate stood at 27 cases per 10,000 companies, well below the 21-year historical average of 49 per 10,000. The analysis indicates that most sectors are maintaining financial stability despite ongoing pressures from rising costs, market volatility, and international crises.
The retail sector experienced the highest number of insolvencies, with 50 cases recorded in the first three months of the year. This represents a 50 percent increase compared with the final quarter of 2025. Despite the rise, the retail insolvency rate remains slightly below the national average, showing that the sector, while facing challenges, has not reached historically high levels of distress.
The hospitality sector, which has faced its own challenges over recent years, reported 32 insolvencies, broadly in line with recent averages. PwC highlighted that corporate receivership appointments fell significantly during the quarter, while cases brought by Revenue, Ireland’s tax authority, continue to drive court-appointed liquidations.
Ken Tyrrell, business recovery partner at PwC Ireland, said the stability in insolvency rates reflects the adaptability of Irish companies. “Irish companies have shown impressive resilience despite continuous economic challenges,” he said. Tyrrell noted that maintaining this stability will be crucial as businesses face new pressures arising from the crisis in the Middle East and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
The findings suggest that while individual sectors like retail may experience periodic increases in financial distress, the broader corporate landscape in Ireland remains solid. Analysts say the combination of prudent financial management and ongoing government support measures has helped many companies navigate economic turbulence.
PwC’s report also underlines the importance of monitoring external shocks, including fluctuations in energy prices and supply chain disruptions, which could influence insolvency trends in the coming quarters. For now, Ireland’s insolvency figures reflect a cautious optimism, showing businesses able to weather immediate challenges while remaining alert to evolving risks in the global economy.
