Growth in number of .ie domains registered in 2011

Last year saw a jump of nearly 13% in the number of websites using the .ie domain.

By the end of the year, 173,145 sites were using the letters at the end of their URL, a rise of 12.9%, according to figures published today by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR).

“We are pleased to report continued strong .ie registration rates which have been achieved against the backdrop of very challenging times for Irish business," said IEDR Chief Executive David Curtin.

"Much credit is due to our Registrar community for their collective efforts in supporting the growth of Ireland’s top level domain which remains the domain of choice for those registering websites in the Irish market."

The IEDR is calling on policy makers and small businesses in Ireland to work more at harnessing the potential for online sales.

It says it will be rolling out further initiatives this year to raise awareness of its possibilities and provide support.