Strong growth reported in the Border Region as Ministers Burke and Smyth publish Annual Employment Survey 2025 and ABSEI 2024

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today published the Annual Employment Survey (AES) 2025 and the Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact (ABSEI) 2024, with the latest figures highlighting the continued strength and resilience of the Border region.

The AES 2025 shows that employment in the Border region increased by 2.5%, reaching 36,004 jobs last year. This includes 32,622 permanent full‑time roles and 3,382 part‑time or temporary positions, reflecting robust regional performance and the ability to grow and sustain high‑quality employment.

At national level, employment in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Údarás na Gaeltachta reached a record 554,608 jobs, up 1.4% on 2024 and now accounting for 20% of Ireland’s total employment.

Among Irish-owned companies in the Border region, the strongest net gains in permanent full‑time employment were recorded in:

• Basic and fabricated metals: +104 jobs (+4.4%)
• Construction: +71 jobs (+7.2%)
• Energy: +67 jobs (+24.9%)

Among foreign-owned companies, the Border region recorded notable net increases in:

• Electrical equipment: +369 jobs (+22.1%)
• Computer, electronic and optical products: +126 jobs (+19.4%)
• Financial services: +45 jobs (+3.3%)

The ABSEI 2024 highlights strong economic performance from both Irish and foreign-owned companies operating in the Border region:

• Total sales increased 8.5% to €12.5 billion, and have grown 95% over the past decade.
• Exports rose 10.4% to €8.5 billion, up 91% over ten years.
• Value added increased 3.8% to €4.4 billion, representing a 142% rise over the past decade.
• Direct expenditure in the Irish economy—including payroll and Irish-sourced materials and services—grew 9.5% to €6.5 billion, up 109% over the decade.

Minister Burke said:

“These surveys underline the remarkable performance of the Border region, where businesses continue to expand, innovate and provide high‑quality jobs. The positive trends reflected in both the AES and ABSEI demonstrate the region’s resilience and its growing contribution to Ireland’s economic success.”

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth said:

“I welcome these results which show a strong performance from the border region. They indicate how enterprise agency supported companies in Ireland can compete on global markets and grow their exports and employment. I will continue to work with colleagues in Government to ensure businesses in the border region, and throughout Ireland, are ready to adapt to the changes in the business environment driven by AI and digitalisation.”

ENDS