Ireland has experienced strong and sustained economic growth in recent years. In the first half of 2017, GDP growth was 5.5% year-over-year. Domestic demand and exports are both contributing to continued growth, while inflation remains low. International forecasts predict more GDP growth in 2018. Ireland maintains a highly competitive and business-friendly environment amid global economic uncertainty.

1. Strong Sustained Economic Growth
Ireland’s Economic & Competitiveness
Update Q4 2017
+1.7%
Consumer
spend
+20%
Construction
+3.2%
Exports
IMD ranks Ireland 6th in the world for overall competitiveness.
Fastest growing economy in Eurozone for past three years (2014 – 2016).
Strong growth continues in 2017; 5.5% yoy growth in first half 2017
Domestic demand and
exports contributing
to growth.
Competitiveness maintained in growing economy; Price inflation
remains subdued, 0.2% yoy in September.
Ireland’s Budget 2018 safeguards Ireland’s public finances amid
internationally uncertainty committing 70% additional capital
spending between 2017 and 2021.
Real GDP Growth Rate
Source: IMFWorld Economic Outlook, October2017 Ireland EuroArea
2017 2018 2019
2.1%
3.4%
1.9%
3%
1.7%
4.1%
10% 64% 80% 65% €18.7bn €5.5bn
National and International forecasts predict continued strong GDP
growth into 2018.
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% of Ireland’s workforce is international.
Labour Market Continues to Strengthen
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In the face of global economic & political uncertainty Ireland
remains a stable, competitive, secure, pro-business economy.
Same high level of investments secured as this time last year at 114.
Multinationals make a significant contribution to the Irish Economy;
FDI Continues to Grow Strongly
Some leading investments secured include:
Strong employment growth: over2.06 million people now at workin Ireland.
Unemployment 6.1% in September2017 at it’s lowest level in 9 years.
Ireland’s unemployment rate below EU (7.6%) and Eurozone (9.1%) average.
Exporting companies created 1 in every 2.5 additional jobs in Ireland since 2012.
IMD World CompetitivenessYearbook2017 ranks Ireland 1st for labour
productivity and efficiency, and adaptability and flexibility ofworkforce.
Youngest Population in the EU: 33% under 25 (EU 28: 26.8%).
Irish labour productivity is 74% above the EU 27 average.
of total
Employment
in Ireland
(2016)
annual spend in Irish
Economy on payroll,
materials and services
(2015)
of RD&I
Investment
+ 14,000 R&D staff
(2015 & 2016)
of Corporation Tax
(2015)
of Exports
(2016)
invested annually
in capital projects
(2015)