Enterprise Ireland warns of challenges

RECORD levels of exports have been achieved among firms supported by Enterprise Ireland this year, but 2012 will be difficult, the agency has warned.

In its end-of-year statement, published yesterday, Enterprise Ireland said that final 2011 export figures, for client companies, are set to exceed pre-recession record levels of 2008. It added that “new export sales” were expected to exceed €1 billion in value for this year.

Frank Ryan, Enterprise Ireland chief executive, said the companies supported by the agency have proved “resilient and relentless” in their pursuit of new market opportunities and should be commended on their success.