High-cost credit continues to pose significant challenges for consumers in Ireland, despite legislative efforts to curb the most excessive lending practices. The introduction of the Consumer Credit (Amendment) Act 2022 marked a major regulatory step by placing a statutory cap on interest rates for moneylender loans. Under the revised framework, simple interest is limited to 1% per week, with an annual maximum of 48%. When expressed as an annual percentage rate, this equates to a ceiling of 152.35% APR.

While this represented a substantial reduction on previous limits, which could reach close to 188% APR and significantly more when collection charges applied, the permitted rate remains extremely high when compared with mainstream credit products. The reclassification of moneylending as “high-cost credit” under the legislation was intended to reflect this reality more clearly and improve consumer understanding.

According to the Central Bank of Ireland, high-cost credit is defined as any credit product with an APR exceeding 23%. This broad category includes cash loans, credit for household goods purchased through retailers or catalogues, online credit purchases, and borrowing used to pay insurance premiums.

Borrowers often turn to high-cost credit for reasons such as convenience, targeted marketing, limited alternatives, habit, family tradition, or a poor credit history. Over time, repeated use can reduce sensitivity to the true cost of borrowing. A common argument against tighter interest caps has been the concern that restricting pricing would drive lenders out of the market, limiting access to credit for vulnerable consumers and increasing the risk of illegal moneylending.

However, a recent review by the Central Bank indicates that this outcome has not materialised. The study estimates there are approximately 288,000 high-cost credit loans in Ireland, including around 31,000 high-cost cash loan accounts. These loans are typically small in value, averaging about €1,000, with many charging the maximum permitted APR. Importantly, the evidence suggests that the introduction of the interest rate cap has not reduced the overall availability of credit.

The Central Bank acknowledges that the high-cost credit sector plays a role in providing access to finance for individuals excluded from mainstream lending. That role, however, raises a wider policy question. Access to credit alone does not equate to sustainable financial inclusion. Long-term inclusion depends on the availability and use of affordable financial products, a principle reflected in the World Bank definition of financial inclusion.

Internationally, alternatives to high-cost credit have often been delivered through community-based financial institutions. Credit unions were founded on this premise and continue to focus on providing affordable lending to members who may struggle to access bank finance. Similar models exist elsewhere, including community development finance institutions in the UK and the US, which aim to support financially excluded households while building resilience and creditworthiness.

In Ireland, credit unions and banks both provide personal loans, though banks typically set higher minimum borrowing thresholds. Some credit unions offer targeted products such as the It Makes Sense Loan, designed for individuals in receipt of social welfare payments. These loans are structured to reduce reliance on high-cost credit while supporting borrowers to rebuild their credit profiles. At present, uptake remains relatively limited, with approximately 5,000 such loans in place.

Legislative changes under the Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 allow for the maximum interest rate charged by credit unions to be increased by ministerial order, although no change has yet been introduced. Research suggests that greater flexibility could enable credit unions to broaden their lending offerings and reach more people who currently depend on high-cost options.

International experience also demonstrates the potential role of policy intervention. In the United States, the Community Reinvestment Act was introduced to encourage banks to meet the credit needs of all communities, including low and moderate income households. While results have varied, the approach highlights how financial institutions can be encouraged, and required, to support wider access to affordable credit.

In Ireland, the ongoing reliance on high-cost credit signals the need for broader solutions. Expanding access to lower-cost alternatives, encouraging innovation in community-based lending, and fostering collaboration across financial institutions, regulators and policymakers would support more sustainable financial inclusion. Addressing the issue requires ambition, engagement and a willingness to rethink how credit is delivered to those who need it most.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

The US dollar strengthened against a broad range of currencies, rebounding from a four-year low reached in the previous session, after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated that the United States continues to favour a strong dollar.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Bessent said a strong dollar policy is rooted in maintaining sound economic fundamentals. He also dismissed suggestions that Washington had been intervening in foreign exchange markets to support the Japanese yen.

Following his comments, the dollar index, which tracks the currency against a basket of major peers, rose by around 0.5%. This came after the index slipped to its weakest level since early 2022 earlier in the week. The greenback remains under pressure overall, having fallen nearly 2% so far this year after a sharp decline in 2025.

Market sentiment had been rattled after US President Donald Trump described the dollar as being in good shape when questioned about its recent slide. Traders interpreted those remarks as a sign that the administration was relaxed about further weakness, leading to heavier selling ahead of a key policy decision by the Federal Reserve.

Market analysts said the subsequent rebound was a predictable response to Mr Bessent’s forceful defence of the currency. Michael Brown of Pepperstone noted that the comments challenged market assumptions that the administration was actively seeking a softer dollar or attempting to influence movements in the yen.

Even so, he added that broader investor behaviour still reflects caution towards US assets, with concerns persisting around trade policy volatility and fiscal direction.

The dollar’s recent weakness has been driven by several overlapping factors, including expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, uncertainty around tariffs, concerns about political pressure on monetary policy, and rising government deficits. Together, these issues have weighed on confidence in the long-term stability of the US economic outlook.

Joel Kruger of LMAX Group said the latest currency movements point to a wider reassessment of global economic prospects. He added that breaks through key technical levels in major currency pairs have accelerated market flows and reinforced existing trends.

Earlier this week, the euro rose above $1.20 for the first time since 2021, while sterling reached multi-year highs. The yen also posted its strongest monthly performance against the dollar in several years, helped by speculation about coordinated support from Japanese and US officials.

Euro strength raises policy questions

While a weaker dollar has eased pressure on Japanese authorities, it has prompted concern elsewhere. Officials at the European Central Bank have signalled that a stronger euro could influence future monetary policy decisions.

Austrian central bank governor Martin Kocher suggested that further interest rate reductions might need to be considered if euro strength begins to dampen inflation. Separately, Bank of France governor Bank of France head François Villeroy de Galhau said policymakers are closely watching the currency’s appreciation and its impact on price pressures.

The euro later eased back from recent highs, though it remains on course for a solid monthly gain.

Currency strategists at Société Générale noted that while both the US and Japan share an interest in avoiding excessive yen weakness, the euro now appears relatively strong given subdued inflation in the eurozone.

By contrast, the US economy continues to show resilience. Growth in the final quarter of 2025 is estimated at 5.4%, according to the Atlanta Fed GDPNow model, underlining the tension between strong economic data and a currency that remains under pressure.

Meanwhile, the yen has given back some recent gains, though it continues to benefit from lingering doubts over US policy direction and the effectiveness of any direct market intervention, particularly ahead of Japan’s upcoming general election.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Vhi has confirmed that it will raise the cost of its health insurance policies by an average of 3% from the beginning of March, marking the third price adjustment within a 12-month period.

The insurer estimates that the increase will add between €35 and €160 to the annual premium for each adult, depending on the level of cover chosen. For families, particularly those on mid-range and higher plans, the additional annual cost is expected to range from €80 to €270.

This latest rise follows a 3% increase introduced last October, along with a further 3% adjustment applied in March 2025. With approximately 1.2 million customers, Vhi accounts for roughly half of Ireland’s private health insurance market.

All new and renewing customers who take out a policy from 1 March will be subject to the revised pricing from that date.

In a statement, Vhi said the increase is required to allow it to continue meeting members’ healthcare needs. The insurer pointed to rising costs across the healthcare system, noting that private hospital claims costs increased by around 13% last year, while the volume of claims rose by approximately 8% compared with 2024.

The company also highlighted wider pressures affecting healthcare costs, including medical inflation, an ageing population, and the growing use of new drugs, technologies and clinical procedures. Increased demand from members accessing healthcare services has further contributed to overall cost growth.

Vhi Managing Director Aaron Keogh acknowledged that health insurance represents a significant expense for households, stating that the insurer remains committed to offering a range of plans at varying price points to accommodate different needs and budgets.

Commenting on the announcement, Dermot Goode of Health Insurance Ireland cautioned consumers against focusing on headline averages. He noted that the actual increase for an individual policyholder may be higher, depending on the specific plan held.

Mr Goode added that many customers who renewed policies earlier in the year will avoid this latest increase. However, those renewing from March onwards may face the cumulative effect of both the October and March price changes.

He also pointed out that Level Health has already announced price increases from early February, while Laya Healthcare has yet to confirm any changes, though past patterns suggest a possible adjustment later in the spring.

For consumers, Mr Goode advised engaging with insurers before renewing, reviewing alternative plans within the same provider, and comparing options across the market. He emphasised that insurers typically recognise previous membership in full, meaning policyholders can switch without a break in cover. Independent advice, he said, can help ensure cover aligns with both healthcare needs and budget.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

The US dollar remained under pressure near its weakest levels in almost four years, following comments from President Donald Trump that were widely interpreted by markets as dismissive of the currency’s recent decline. The remarks fuelled further selling of the dollar and supported gains in the yen, euro and sterling, ahead of a closely watched Federal Reserve policy decision.

Currency traders were still responding to heavy dollar selling in the previous session, which pushed the euro above $1.20 for the first time since 2021. Sterling also strengthened sharply, rising 1.2 percent to reach its highest level in more than three years.

The dollar index, which tracks the US currency against six major peers, edged 0.22 percent higher to 96.114 after falling more than 1 percent a day earlier and touching a four-year low of 95.566. Market sentiment shifted after President Trump described the dollar’s value as “great” when asked about its recent weakness. Traders took this as confirmation that the administration was not concerned about further declines.

The comments arrived at a sensitive moment for the currency, with investors already wary of potential coordinated action by US and Japanese authorities to stabilise the yen. Kyle Rodda, senior market analyst at Capital.com, said the latest moves reflected a deeper loss of confidence in the dollar, adding that ongoing uncertainty around US trade, foreign and economic policy could prolong the weakness.

The dollar fell by more than 9 percent during 2025 and has continued to slide at the start of this year, down around 2.3 percent in January. Investors have been unsettled by concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence, rising public spending and unpredictable shifts in US trade and diplomatic strategy.

Attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement later today. The central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, with markets anticipating an extended pause that could run beyond Chair Jerome Powell’s final meetings in March and April. Political pressure surrounding the central bank has added to the uncertainty, including speculation over Powell’s successor, efforts to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook and a criminal investigation involving the Fed leadership.

Prashant Newnaha, senior Asia-Pacific rates strategist at TD Securities, said markets appear to believe the administration is allowing the dollar to weaken as part of a broader economic strategy aimed at stimulating growth ahead of the midterm elections.

The Japanese yen benefited further from the softer dollar, rising more than 1 percent to a three-month high of 152.10 per dollar before easing slightly. Recent gains have been driven by reports of rate checks by US and Japanese authorities, often viewed as a signal of possible intervention. Japan’s finance minister said the government stood ready to act if necessary, while declining to comment directly on recent currency movements.

Elsewhere, the Australian dollar climbed to $0.70225, its strongest level since February 2023. The move was supported by broad dollar weakness and fresh data showing consumer inflation accelerating in the December quarter, reinforcing expectations of a near-term rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

High cost credit remains a significant concern for households across Ireland, despite legislative efforts to limit its most extreme impacts. The Consumer Credit Amendment Act 2022 introduced a cap on interest rates charged by moneylenders, limiting simple interest to 1 percent per week, with a maximum annual charge of 48 percent. When expressed as an annual percentage rate, this equates to a maximum APR of 152.35 percent. While this represented a reduction from previous levels, where APRs could exceed 180 percent and rise far higher once collection charges were included, the permitted rates remain exceptionally high by any standard.

The legislation also reframed this form of borrowing by formally adopting the term high cost credit, underlining the consumer protection risks associated with such products. Under definitions used by the Central Bank of Ireland, high cost credit includes any credit offered above 23 percent APR. This extends beyond traditional moneylender loans to cover a wide range of arrangements, including cash loans, retailer credit for household goods, catalogue or online purchases, and credit used to fund insurance premiums.

High cost credit often appeals to borrowers for reasons that go beyond price. Convenience, habit, direct marketing, family tradition, limited choice, and poor credit histories all play a role. Over time, these factors can dull awareness of the true cost of borrowing. Critics of stricter interest rate caps have long argued that tighter limits risk reducing access to credit, potentially pushing vulnerable borrowers towards financial exclusion or illegal moneylending.

Evidence published by the Central Bank following a review of the 2022 interest rate cap suggests these concerns have not materialised to date. The review estimates there are approximately 288,000 high cost credit customer loans in Ireland, including around 31,000 high cost cash loan accounts. These loans are typically small, with an average value of about €1,000, and most charge the maximum permitted APR. Importantly, the review found no indication that the introduction of the cap reduced the overall supply of credit.

The report acknowledges that high cost credit plays a role in financial inclusion by providing access to borrowing for people unable to secure credit from mainstream providers. Access alone, however, does not equate to long term inclusion. Sustainable financial inclusion requires affordable credit options that allow borrowers to meet essential needs without becoming trapped in persistent high interest debt.

Lower cost alternatives have traditionally been provided by community based financial institutions, particularly credit unions. Internationally, credit unions were established to counter exploitative lending and to serve communities excluded from traditional banking. In Ireland, banks and credit unions both offer personal loans, though banks often impose higher minimum loan thresholds. Credit unions also provide targeted products such as the It Makes Sense Loan, aimed at people in receipt of social welfare payments. Around half of Irish credit unions participate in this scheme, with approximately 5,000 loans currently in place.

Legislative change may offer further scope for progress. The Credit Union Amendment Act 2023 allows for the maximum interest rate charged by credit unions, currently capped at 12.67 percent APR, to be increased by ministerial order. While no change has yet been implemented, research on small loan provision highlights the potential for greater flexibility to expand affordable lending options within communities.

International examples point to broader policy approaches. In the United States, the Community Reinvestment Act sought to address unequal access to credit by requiring financial institutions to serve the needs of low and moderate income communities. While outcomes have been mixed, the model demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can encourage wider participation in delivering affordable credit.

Ireland now faces a clear policy choice. Continuing to accept high cost credit as a necessary fixture risks entrenching financial vulnerability. Expanding access to fair, affordable alternatives offers a more sustainable path towards genuine financial inclusion. Achieving this will require coordinated effort, regulatory ambition, and a willingness among stakeholders to rethink how credit is provided to those who need it most.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

A growing number of consumers believe tipping is shifting away from being a voluntary gesture, according to new research published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

The study found that almost two thirds of people feel tipping has become less voluntary, while three out of four want businesses to make it easier to opt out when paying. Concerns were also raised about unexpected charges, with one in five respondents saying they had recently received a bill that included an additional cost they did not anticipate.

Technology appears to be a key factor behind these concerns. One quarter of consumers who encountered standalone tipping terminals said they had tapped them by accident, highlighting confusion around modern payment systems. Despite this, tipping remains common practice, with nine out of ten people saying they tip at least occasionally. Women and people aged over 35 were identified as the groups most likely to leave a tip.

Tipping habits vary by setting. Consumers are most inclined to tip when seated in cafés or restaurants, and least likely to do so for delivery services. Among those who tip in cafés or restaurants, around half said they typically leave between 10% and 14% of the bill. However, nearly six in ten respondents admitted they sometimes feel obliged to tip, even when they would prefer not to.

Alongside the research, the CCPC has issued updated guidance for businesses such as restaurants, cafés and hair salons, reflecting what it describes as a changing tipping landscape driven by digital payment methods. The guidance stresses that tipping should be clearly optional, with payment terminals designed to make declining a tip straightforward. It also advises businesses to avoid accidental tipping by clearly labelling terminals, communicating any mandatory service charges in advance, and never automatically adding optional charges to a bill.

Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC, said that newer payment technologies are reshaping how people tip and must be used in a way that protects consumer choice. He emphasised the importance of transparency, noting that mandatory charges should always be clearly flagged, optional charges should not be added automatically, and tipping terminals should be positioned separately from standard payment screens to prevent confusion.

The research was carried out by Ipsos B&A on behalf of the CCPC, based on interviews with 1,048 people conducted in October.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Fully electric vehicles outsold petrol cars in the European Union for the first time in December, marking a significant shift in the region’s car market, according to new figures released by the European automotive industry.

Data from European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association shows that battery electric vehicles moved ahead of petrol-powered cars during the month, even as EU policymakers signalled a willingness to soften long-term emissions targets for the sector.

The figures highlight growing competitive pressure within the electric vehicle market. Tesla continued to lose ground to rivals, including China’s BYD and Europe’s largest carmaker, Volkswagen.

Across Europe, overall car registrations recorded a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Total sales volumes reached their highest level in five years during 2025, although they remained below levels seen before the pandemic. The industry continues to face headwinds, including strong competition from Chinese manufacturers, the impact of US import tariffs and the cost of complying with domestic regulations linked to electric vehicle adoption.

In December, the EU outlined proposals that could move away from an effective 2035 ban on new combustion engine cars, responding to concerns raised by parts of the automotive industry. Electric transport advocates have warned that easing targets could slow progress in reducing carbon emissions, although analysts still expect demand for electric vehicles to grow.

Sales across the EU, the UK and the European Free Trade Association rose by 7.6% in December to 1.2 million vehicles. For the full year, registrations increased by 2.4% to 13.3 million units.

Among major manufacturers, registrations rose by 10.2% at Volkswagen and by 4.5% at Stellantis during December, while Renault recorded a decline of 2.2%. Tesla registrations fell by 20.2% over the same period, while BYD reported growth of almost 230%.

Within the EU alone, car sales increased by 5.8% in December to nearly one million vehicles, with annual registrations up 1.8% to 10.8 million. Registrations of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles rose sharply, up 51%, 36.7% and 5.8% respectively. Combined, these vehicles accounted for 67% of all EU registrations in December, compared with 57.8% in the same month last year.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Around one in ten job advertisements in Ireland now reference artificial intelligence, according to new research from Indeed. The findings place Ireland ahead of the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, underlining the scale and influence of the technology sector within the Irish economy.

While AI references remain most common in technology-related roles, the research shows that demand is spreading well beyond traditional tech positions. Job postings in areas such as arts and entertainment, human resources and sales are also increasingly highlighting the use of AI tools, signalling a broader shift in workplace expectations.

The report also points to continued momentum in flexible working arrangements. Mentions of remote and hybrid work reached a new high of 19.4% by the end of December 2025, more than four times higher than levels recorded before the pandemic. Roles in software development, media and communications, and data and analytics showed the highest proportion of these flexible working options.

Although overall job postings remain below the highs seen in early 2022, activity in Ireland is still relatively strong. As of January 2026, postings were running about 7% above pre-pandemic levels, with volumes remaining largely stable since May of last year.

One notable trend highlighted in the research is a recent decline in the proportion of job adverts that include salary details. The share has fallen to approximately 34%, the lowest level since late 2022. This comes ahead of the introduction later this year of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which will require employers to disclose salary information in job advertisements and prohibit questions about a candidate’s current pay.

The data also shows that Ireland continues to attract international interest, with around 13% of job searches on Indeed in 2025 coming from outside the country.

Commenting on the findings, Jack Kennedy said AI is reshaping how work is carried out across the economy. He noted that there is a growing expectation for workers in all sectors to be comfortable using AI tools, including in roles not traditionally associated with technology.

From an employer’s perspective, he added that hybrid and flexible working have become an expectation rather than a benefit, and this shift will play an important role in attracting and retaining talent during 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Bank of Ireland has trimmed its forecast for economic growth in 2026, pointing to a slightly slower pace of expansion than previously expected.

In its latest economic outlook, the bank now expects Gross Domestic Product to increase by 2.8% this year, compared with an earlier projection of 3.1%. GDP figures capture activity from multinational firms as well as domestic businesses.

Alongside this, the bank has reduced its estimate for modified domestic demand, a measure regarded as a clearer reflection of underlying activity within the Irish economy. MDD is now forecast to grow by 2.3% in 2026, down from a previous expectation of 2.6%.

The bank said the downward adjustment reflects the unwinding of front-loaded trade activity linked to US tariff concerns. It also noted that new pharmaceutical production facilities and strong demand for weight-loss medications are expected to contribute to a lasting upward shift in GDP over the medium term.

The report cautioned that a sharper reversal in Irish goods exports to the United States, following a 60% surge during 2025, could result in negative GDP growth, depending on the scale of the pullback.

While the outlook for 2026 has softened, Bank of Ireland has revised upwards its estimate for economic growth in 2025. GDP is now believed to have grown by 11.2% last year, compared with a previous estimate of 10.7%.

Looking ahead, the bank forecasts employment growth of 1.5%, with unemployment edging up gradually towards 5%. Residential property prices are expected to rise by approximately 4%.

Group Chief Economist Conall MacCoille said the projections suggest the economy is moving towards a more sustainable, though still robust, rate of growth. He highlighted continued momentum in construction activity and public investment, even as employment growth moderates.

He also pointed to Budget 2026 as a meaningful support for the economy, particularly through increased capital spending, which is expected to help counter uncertainty affecting private investment decisions.

However, Mr MacCoille warned that a range of external risks remain, including geopolitical tensions, trade disruption, tariff policies, stretched equity market valuations and concerns around the independence of the US Federal Reserve.

He added that elevated household savings levels and subdued business sentiment indicate that uncertainty is already influencing spending patterns and hiring decisions. While many of the challenges facing Ireland originate abroad, he said domestic issues such as competitiveness pressures and infrastructure constraints could increasingly limit economic performance.

A further uncertainty identified in the report is the true extent of the slowdown in job creation during the past year, particularly in consumer-facing sectors such as retail and hospitality, where wage costs appear to be weighing on activity.

Mr MacCoille concluded that, in light of the uncertain outlook, progressing the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan will be critical to delivering the €106 billion National Development Plan.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland recorded a net increase of 2,938 jobs last year, bringing total employment across its client base to 232,425, according to the agency’s latest annual report.

The figures show that employment growth remained broadly regional, with 69% of new roles created in 2025 located outside the Dublin region. All nine regions experienced an increase in jobs, reinforcing the role of indigenous enterprise in supporting balanced regional development.

Alongside the employment gains, Enterprise Ireland said it invested close to €50 million directly in equity during the year, helping to leverage total funding of €440 million. Individual investments ranged from €100,000 to €2 million, reflecting a revised investment strategy.

The agency said its approach has evolved from a focus on early-stage funding to multi-stage investment, allowing for larger funding rounds and stronger backing for companies with international growth ambitions.

Across Enterprise Ireland’s main sectors, employment growth was steady. Food and sustainability companies now employ 69,295 people, an increase of 0.6%. The industrial and life sciences sector reached 101,747 jobs, up 2%, while technology and services grew to 61,383 jobs, an increase of 0.8%.

Stronger growth was recorded in several emerging and specialist areas. Employment in climate technology and renewable energy rose by 6.5%, housing-related businesses increased by 4%, and high-tech construction saw a 2.5% rise. The fintech and financial services sector recorded growth of 4.9%.

Peter Burke said the results point to a resilient Irish economy that continues to attract and support businesses despite challenging global conditions. He said the scale of Enterprise Ireland’s investment highlights the importance of long-term funding in delivering sustainable growth and creating high-value employment across the country.

He also noted that, as geopolitical uncertainty continues to affect global trade, building solid foundations for a diversified economy remains essential, with the Government’s National Development Plan playing a central role.

Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Jenny Melia said the figures underline the adaptability of Irish businesses in a demanding international environment. She said the agency will continue to support companies in achieving sustainable growth and creating quality employment in every region.

Ms Melia added that supporting Irish entrepreneurs to scale globally remains a key priority. She highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, noting that recent surveys show 87% of Enterprise Ireland client companies are either already using AI or plan to do so. Around two-thirds believe AI and digitalisation will be critical in securing future international business.

The results were published alongside confirmation of a major expansion by Dublin-based IT services and consulting firm Origina, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland. The company plans to create 350 high-value roles, with the expansion expected to deliver up to €28 million per year in direct economic contribution to the Irish economy.

Origina specialises in independent software support and maintenance for enterprise systems from vendors such as IBM, HCL and VMware. The company also confirmed investment in a larger, technology-focused office in Sandyford.

Alan Dillon described the expansion as a significant milestone for a home-grown Irish business, highlighting how Enterprise Ireland-supported firms are competing successfully on a global stage while continuing to invest domestically.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.