In 2012, among EU countries, Ireland’s economy had the best Freedom Index and ranked in the top ten most free in the world. However, by 2013, it had dropped to 11th place, with Denmark becoming the most free economy in the EU. Economic development in Ireland follows a dual path: on one hand, private enterprise is encouraged, while on the other hand, key industries and services of national importance remain under state control. Ireland is one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU. Between 1987 and 1997, economic growth reached 6% annually. Currently, alongside Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland, Ireland has the highest GDP per capita in Europe. The economy is heavily reliant on trade, with the UK, Germany, France, and the United States as its main partners. Taxes make up 30% of Ireland’s GDP, with personal income tax rates at 41% and 20%, and various tax reliefs available. Corporate income tax is the lowest in the old EU, at 12.5%, which is often cited as a key factor for attracting foreign investment to Ireland. The standard VAT rate is 21%. The minimum wage ranges from 39% to 77% of the national average, depending on the sector. In terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), Ireland ranks 4th in the world, and in terms of the Happy Planet Index (HPI), it ranks 18th out of 19 most developed countries. The Irish economy is also one of the most innovative in Europe, with research and development spending at 1.2% of GDP.
The most important sectors of the Irish economy include: Electronics and information technology, Chemicals and pharmaceuticals, Metallurgy, Printing. There is also E-commerce Telecommunications, Software development, Modern financial services and in Kildare you have Leixlip and many Data Centres.
Currently, according to the Economic Freedom Index, Ireland is the second most liberal economy in Europe and the sixth in the world, behind Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. During the financial crisis in 2008, Ireland’s GDP fell by 2.3%. The 2011 census revealed some effects of the economic crisis, such as 290,000 vacant homes out of 2 million. Many Irish people were unable to repay mortgages taken out on properties, and developers struggled to sell their homes.
In some counties, nearly one in three homes stood empty A global phenomenon of the Irish economy has been the strong development of high-tech industries, contributing to economic growth of 15.8% annually. Investments in various industries in the country were driven by Ireland’s strategic location as a gateway for American investors interested in the European market. Ireland’s rapid development can be attributed to assistance from the European Union, long-term tax exemptions, and relatively cheap labor. This has benefited regional centers, where industries are mainly based on agricultural processing. The grain milling, dairy, brewing, and high-proof alcohol production (whiskey) industries have all flourished.
Has vast expertise across the Transport and Logistics sector including Logistics Manager, Transportation Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Warehouse Manager, Fleet Manager, Distribution Manager, Inventory Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Shipping Manager, Receiving Manager, Procurement Manager, (Logistics), Operations Manager, (Logistics), Import/Export Manager, Logistics Analyst, Customs Compliance Manager, Route Planner, Logistics Director, Supply Chain Planner Transportation Coordinator, and Freight Manager.