Ireland investing €170m in European Space Agency programmes

The Ariane 6 rocket developed by the European Space Agency. Ireland is investing over €170m in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes over the next five years, while 120 companies are now working with the organisation.

Ireland is investing over €170m in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes over the next five years, while 120 companies are now working with the organisation.

Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, confirmed the investment in space programmes while attending an ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany on Wednesday. 

“Space impacts so much of our daily life, often without us realising. This investment will help Irish businesses grow, create jobs, and tackle big challenges like climate change and cybersecurity," said Mr Dillon.

The number of Irish firms working with ESA has grown from 70 in 2019 to 120 in 2025. Last year, 21 Irish companies won their first ESA contracts. 

Ireland will support ESA projects in areas including Earth observation,  secure communications, navigation systems, space transportation, and human and robotic exploration.

“I’m delighted to support Ireland’s increased investment in the European Space Agency through funding secured as part of the revised National Development Plan. I look forward to the future development of the Irish space ecosystem as more of our companies secure contracts with ESA.” Minister Dillon said:

This investment is part of Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise, which aims to build a sustainable space industry and position Irish companies to compete globally.

The global space economy is expected to triple in size, reaching €1.55 trillion by 2035.  

The European Space Agency  is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.