Ireland’s maritime economy in the blue, say researchers

Ireland’s maritime economy is growing nearly twice as fast as the general economy. And the importance of harnessing the ocean, even more, will be highlighted at a major conference next month.

The Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit has reported the maritime economy increased 9% from 2010 to 2012, compared to a 4.47% GDP increase during the same period.

The unit, based at NUI Galway, said that during the same period the “blue economy” employment increased from 17,425 to 18,480 full-time equivalents.