Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland recorded a net increase of 2,938 jobs last year, bringing total employment across its client base to 232,425, according to the agency’s latest annual report.
The figures show that employment growth remained broadly regional, with 69% of new roles created in 2025 located outside the Dublin region. All nine regions experienced an increase in jobs, reinforcing the role of indigenous enterprise in supporting balanced regional development.
Alongside the employment gains, Enterprise Ireland said it invested close to €50 million directly in equity during the year, helping to leverage total funding of €440 million. Individual investments ranged from €100,000 to €2 million, reflecting a revised investment strategy.
The agency said its approach has evolved from a focus on early-stage funding to multi-stage investment, allowing for larger funding rounds and stronger backing for companies with international growth ambitions.
Across Enterprise Ireland’s main sectors, employment growth was steady. Food and sustainability companies now employ 69,295 people, an increase of 0.6%. The industrial and life sciences sector reached 101,747 jobs, up 2%, while technology and services grew to 61,383 jobs, an increase of 0.8%.
Stronger growth was recorded in several emerging and specialist areas. Employment in climate technology and renewable energy rose by 6.5%, housing-related businesses increased by 4%, and high-tech construction saw a 2.5% rise. The fintech and financial services sector recorded growth of 4.9%.
Peter Burke said the results point to a resilient Irish economy that continues to attract and support businesses despite challenging global conditions. He said the scale of Enterprise Ireland’s investment highlights the importance of long-term funding in delivering sustainable growth and creating high-value employment across the country.
He also noted that, as geopolitical uncertainty continues to affect global trade, building solid foundations for a diversified economy remains essential, with the Government’s National Development Plan playing a central role.
Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Jenny Melia said the figures underline the adaptability of Irish businesses in a demanding international environment. She said the agency will continue to support companies in achieving sustainable growth and creating quality employment in every region.
Ms Melia added that supporting Irish entrepreneurs to scale globally remains a key priority. She highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, noting that recent surveys show 87% of Enterprise Ireland client companies are either already using AI or plan to do so. Around two-thirds believe AI and digitalisation will be critical in securing future international business.
The results were published alongside confirmation of a major expansion by Dublin-based IT services and consulting firm Origina, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland. The company plans to create 350 high-value roles, with the expansion expected to deliver up to €28 million per year in direct economic contribution to the Irish economy.
Origina specialises in independent software support and maintenance for enterprise systems from vendors such as IBM, HCL and VMware. The company also confirmed investment in a larger, technology-focused office in Sandyford.
Alan Dillon described the expansion as a significant milestone for a home-grown Irish business, highlighting how Enterprise Ireland-supported firms are competing successfully on a global stage while continuing to invest domestically.
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