Enterprise Ireland-backed firms generate record €16.2bn in exports

Enterprise Ireland companies posted a record €16.2bn in exports last year and created 12,861 new jobs, according to the state agency’s latest annual report.

Exports from the non-food sector grew by 11% over the year while food sector exports were up 2.3% over the same period.

Commenting on Enterprise Ireland’s performance last year, the Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton said: “At the centre of the Government’s plans for jobs and growth is a determination to create a powerful engine of indigenous business, and we have put in place a range of measures to provide better supports for Irish businesses.

“Enterprise Ireland is crucial to these plans, and the agency’s annual report shows continued strong delivery. I commend [chief executive] Frank Ryan and his team on their achievements.

“I am determined that, through the continued rigorous implementation of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, we will help ensure that these indigenous exporting companies drive a powerful recovery in the Irish economy and create the jobs we need.”

Enterprise Ireland companies directly employed 169,451 people at the end of 2012, with a further 7,000 new job commitments made last year. Roughly 798 of EI’s client companies are committing more than €100,000 in research and development projects, with 134 of these companies spending over €1m each year on R&D.

During 2012, Enterprise Ireland companies secured 777 “significant new international customers” and 383 companies set up overseas offices for the first time.

Launching the report, Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “Continuous investment in innovation and export development is crucial for the continued global success of Irish industry.

“Irish exporters are to be commended on their outstanding achievements in 2012, particularly when you consider this against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown.”