Publication of the First Report on the French Economic Footprint in Ireland

On November 16th, the French Embassy in Ireland released the first report on the French Economic Footprint in Ireland during a dedicated forum organised at the new Eir HQ in Heuston South Quarter. Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, gave the concluding remarks of the event, which gathered representatives of French businesses in Ireland and relevant public agencies supporting their investment in the State.

The publication of the report takes place during a week marked by the visit of French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who was in Dublin on Monday accompanied by four ministers – illustrating the growing relationship between France and Ireland in the recent years.

The report, the first of its kind, comprises three different parts:

• A collection of key data of the French presence in Ireland: France is the top supplier of goods for Ireland in the EU, with exports that have multiplied by three in the last 10 years. France is also the top EU investor in Ireland, with at least 300 subsidiaries of French companies established in the State – including 28 companies from the French CAC 40. They together create at least 30,000 direct jobs – not accounting for the various and large participations taken in Irish companies, such as Eir and the recent acquisition of National Lottery by Française des Jeux – whose CEO Stéphane Pallez was present at the forum

• The results of an exclusive survey of the French companies in Ireland; undertaken by the French Embassy and the France-Ireland Chamber of Commerce, the survey helps to better understand the reasons behind their local investment, as well as opportunities and challenges stemming from it. 80% of the French companies intend to grow their business in Ireland in the years to come, a testimony of the mutual trust and strengthening economic bonds between the two countries

• The recommendations made by leading French companies in Ireland in order to maintain the attractiveness of Ireland in terms of investment: unlocking infrastructure, ensuring access to talent, protecting competitiveness and accelerating sustainability measures.

Speaking at the launching event, French Ambassador Vincent Guérend stated that “The bilateral relationship between France and Ireland is experiencing a major impetus, driven by strong political will from both governments and a consistent, far-reaching movement of increasing economic ties. France is a major investor in Ireland, where its companies create jobs and long-term partnerships. We have a mutual interest in making sure these investments thrive, given that they contribute to the wider project of European strategic autonomy”.

The report can be downloaded in full below:

French Economic Footprint in Ireland Report

(PDF - 3.7 Mb)