Ireland has experienced strong and sustained economic growth for the past 5 years, with GDP growth of 5.2% in 2016 making it the fastest growing economy in the Eurozone. Broad-based growth across consumption, construction, and exports is fueling the expansion. The labor market is also strengthening, with unemployment falling to 6.4% from a peak of 15% in 2012. Foreign direct investment continues to be a major driver of the economy, with over 200,000 people now employed by multinational corporations located in Ireland.

1. Strong Sustained Economic Growth
Ireland’s Economic & Competitiveness
Update Q2 2017
Fastest growing economy in Eurozone, 5th consecutive year
of economic expansion.
Broad based growth; Consumer spend +4.2%, construction +11%
and exports +9.8%, all contributing positively to growth.
Ireland ranks 6th of 63 countries benchmarked in the 2017
IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, up one place from last year.
Ireland’s debt to GDP ratio (75%) is also on a firm downward trajectory
below the Euro area (90%) and EU (85%) averages.
Irish Government Debt has an A rating with all major rating
agencies with stable to positive outlooks forecast.
Real GDP Growth Rate
Source: European Commission WinterForecast February 2017
*CSO National Accounts 2016
Ireland Europe
2016
*5.2%
2017 2018
........................... ........................... ...........................
1.7%
3.4%
1.6%
3.3%
1.8%
Forecasts show that Ireland has the fastest growing economy
in the Eurozone
Ireland at the Heart of Europe
Irelandwill remain a core memberofthe EU single market & Euro currency.
Only English speaking country in the Eurozone.
People from all overEurope can come
to live and workin Ireland.
Proportionally Ireland has the 3rd highest international workforce
in Europe. Today, 15.4% of Ireland’s workforce is international.
Labour Market Continues to Strengthen
Unemployment 6.4% in May down from peakof 15% in 2012.
Ireland’s unemployment rate is below EU (9%) and Euro area (8%) average.
IMD World CompetitivenessYearbook2017 ranks Ireland 1st forlabour
productivity and efficiency, and adaptability and flexibility ofworkforce.
Exporting companies created 1 in every 2.5 additional jobs since 2012.
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Employment in IDA client companies increased by approximately
12,000 in 2016.
FDI employment hits new level of approximately 200,000,
IDA Clients account for almost 10% of total Irish workforce.
Ireland is an export base for MNCs.
- MNCs export €149bn from Ireland, ⅔’s to the European Market.
FDI Continues to Grow
Some of the leading companies investing in Ireland are: