Employment levels in Ireland have reached an all-time high, with 546,763 jobs now supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Údarás na Gaeltachta, according to newly released figures. This marks a 1.3% increase from 2023, despite a slowdown in overall job gains.
The Annual Employment Survey 2024 highlights a mixed year for job creation. Gross job gains totaled 29,722, a decrease from 2023 levels. However, job losses fell significantly to 22,922, down from 33,051 the previous year.
FDI and Irish-Owned Firms Show Steady Growth
The data shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) firms experienced a modest 0.3% growth, adding 1,064 new jobs in 2024. In contrast, Irish-owned firms saw stronger growth, with employment rising by 2.7%, adding 5,966 jobs since 2023.
Among Irish-owned companies, the energy, water, waste, and construction sector recorded the highest job gains, followed by business services. Meanwhile, in foreign-owned firms, the chemicals and business services sectors saw the largest employment increases.
Irish Exports and Sales Continue to Rise
A separate study, the Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact for 2023, revealed strong financial performance across Irish industries.
Total sales in 2023 reached €509.7 billion, reflecting a 6.8% increase from €477.2 billion in 2022.
Total exports hit €459.4 billion, up 7% from the previous year, with 92.4% of these exports coming from foreign-owned enterprises.
Government Response
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment Peter Burke welcomed the figures, emphasizing Ireland’s economic resilience amid global challenges.
“These results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our jobs market and industry in Ireland, in spite of the challenges posed by global economic and political headwinds,” Burke said.
He highlighted the sustained growth of Irish-owned companies, particularly in key industries.
“In 2024, employment growth in Irish-owned firms was strong across the board, including in the construction, business services, and food & drink sectors,” he added.
Burke also noted that permanent, full-time jobs in Irish-owned companies have grown by 2.3% this year, continuing a decade-long trend of employment expansion.
With employment levels at record highs and Irish industries continuing to grow, the focus will now turn to maintaining economic stability amid global uncertainties.
