Record number of .ie domain registrations despite downturn

The first three months of 2009 saw the highest-ever number of new .ie website addresses registered, despite the economic downturn, it was revealed today.

Figures released by IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the managed registry for Ireland’s internet address .ie, show that a total of 9,781 .ie domains were registered in the first quarter of 2009, a jump of 28% on the same period last year.

Over 80% of the new .ie website addresses were registered by sole traders or limited companies.

"It is encouraging to see that despite the economic downturn, businesses are still seeing opportunities for growth online," said David Curtin, chief executive of the IE Domain Registry.