85% of firms in decline, poll finds

Low demand for goods and services is keeping 85% of Irish businesses in decline, according to an all-island survey by IntertradeIreland.

The cross-border group’s Q1 2012 Business Monitor found just 15% of those surveyed are either growing or expanding — just 13% in the Republic, versus 21% in the North. The other 85% are all in decline. Respondents want their governments to reduce taxes and improve access to finance.

IntertradeIreland director of strategy and policy Aidan Gough said: “The fact that after three years only 15% of businesses are in growth mode shows the protracted nature of the situation.