Irish firms boost exports by €1bn

THE future is bright for home grown business after a solid year that saw Irish companies grow their exports by almost €1 billion, the State business development agency said yesterday.

Enterprise Ireland said companies that used the agency's services reported a "steady" increase in new business and greater demand for more sophisticated products and services.

These companies spent €240 million on high-value research and development activity, with Enterprise Ireland's contribution to the bill increasing from €65m to €80m.