EI-supported firms add 15,530 new jobs in 2023

Eight out of nine regions recorded net jobs growth, led by the West and North-East regions

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland speaking at the 41st annual UCC Commerce Society conference on the theme of 'Success in an ever changing business environment' at The Kingsley Hotel, Cork on 1st February 2023. Pic Larry Cummins

Enterprise Ireland-supported companies added a net gain of just over 5,000 jobs last year to a record total of 225,495.

Eight out of nine regions recorded net jobs growth, with the West region (+5%), the North-East region (+5%) and the North-West region (+4%) performing particularly strongly. 68% of new jobs created in 2023 in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland were located outside the Dublin region.

Each of Enterprise Ireland’s three main sectoral divisions recorded jobs growth with food and sustainability now employing 66,047 people (+3%), industrial and life sciences employing 93,652 (+2%) and technology & services employing 65,796 people (+2%).

The total number of jobs created was 15,530. When job losses are taken into account there was a positive net jobs result of 5,011.

The climate, sustainability and agritech sector saw a 7% increase while dairy, drinks and food FDI recorded a 5% increase in employment.

Life Sciences companies saw employment increase by 4% and employment in the High-Tech Housing and Construction sector increased by 3%.

Digital Technology and Fintech sectors continued to grow at a moderate 2% despite technology industry headwinds

The results were announced today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, TD and Enterprise Ireland CEO, Leo Clancy at APC VLE's headquarters in Cherrywood in Dublin. 

The life sciences company announced a €100m expansion and the creation of 300 new jobs to establish ‘The Medicine Accelerator Campus’ in Cherrywood, Dublin.

"2023 was a particularly challenging year for exporting Irish businesses with rising input costs, high-interest rates and international instability among the challenging issues that impacted business performance," Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney said.

"Government is determined to help business face these challenges and continue to create high-quality employment across every region in Ireland."

Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy said: "Employment in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland is now at its highest ever level at over 225,000 people. Despite very challenging economic conditions including higher costs, interest rates, inflation and international instability, Enterprise Ireland-backed companies added 15,530 new jobs to the economy, ahead of our target for the year."