Brexit 'the single greatest threat to Irish economy': IBEC

IBEC has said the single greatest threat to our economy is the danger of the UK leaving the EU.

The business group is concerned Britain could poach many of our companies and become much more attractive to foreign investors if a Brexit were to go ahead.

However in their latest economic forecast out today, IBEC said the overall outlook for Ireland remains positive.

CEO Danny McCoy (pictured) said IBEC expected growth of 4.5% this year.

"We're seeing employment growth of near on 3% (and) we anticipate the next three years will see 45,000 new jobs coming on stream, so it's certainly a strong recovery," he said.

He warned against complacency however, saying international trade was showing signs of slow-down and oil prices were staring to reverse back.

"We can’t be complacent, but things are good at the moment," he said.