Ireland is investing over €170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes through 2030, aiming to strengthen Irish companies’ presence in the rapidly growing global space industry. The investment was announced by Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, during an ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany, which brought together ministers from 23 countries to plan Europe’s future space activities. By participating in ESA programmes, Ireland supports businesses in developing advanced space technologies that also have applications on Earth, from weather forecasting and GPS navigation to secure communications.
The funding will help Irish companies engage in ESA projects across multiple areas, including Earth observation, secure communications, navigation systems, space transportation, and human and robotic exploration. Ministers highlighted the broader benefits of the investment, emphasizing job creation, technology development, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity. Ireland’s support is also part of the revised National Development Plan, reflecting the government’s commitment to growing a sustainable space ecosystem.
The global space economy is projected to triple to $1.8 trillion by 2035, and Irish companies are increasingly active in this sector. Between 2019 and 2025, the number of Irish firms working with ESA grew from 70 to 120, with 21 companies securing their first ESA contracts last year, creating new jobs and business opportunities. This momentum is supported by Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise, which aims to build a sustainable and globally competitive space industry.
Ireland’s ESA membership provides businesses with access to a technology development network valued at over €5 billion annually, facilitating participation in European and global space markets. ESA membership supports capital investment in company research and development, technology transfer, start-up growth, and foreign direct investment. It also strengthens Ireland’s research capabilities in space technologies, helping companies exploit global commercial opportunities while generating employment and export revenue.
Enterprise Ireland coordinates Irish industrial and research participation in ESA programmes, assisting companies in securing contracts and providing expertise on developing and executing space strategies. Irish participation spans sectors such as software, precision mechanical engineering, telecommunications, electronics, optoelectronics, and advanced materials, extending to end-user equipment, services, and applications. Through these efforts, Ireland aims to consolidate its space industry, foster innovation, and ensure long-term economic and technological growth.
