Sean Canney TD, Minister of State for Natural Resources, has welcomed the results of a survey of the 38 companies in the Geoscience Ireland cluster that showed turnover for 2018 stands at €1,024,519,082 and that 253 net new jobs were created last year. The Geoscience Ireland business cluster is operated by Geological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and assists Irish companies in winning business in international markets.
The survey also showed that the small- and medium-sized companies (33 SMEs) within the cluster generated €299,609,082 and created 198 net new jobs; 35.7% of total turnover was derived from overseas activity.
Commenting on the survey, Minister Canney welcomed the "sustained economic growth and the creation of jobs in the highly technical geoscience sector. While construction and infrastructure activity has recovered in Ireland, a continued focus on the export potential for Irish SMEs must remain a key target for job creation.
"My Department will continue to support the Geoscience Ireland business cluster in winning business overseas, which has seen the creation of 1,356 new jobs since its launch in September 2012. We look forward to continued collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and the Departments of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and Foreign Affairs and Trade"
Key metrics from the recent survey revealed that:
- Total turnover for 2018: €1,024,519,082; SMEs accounted for €299,609,082 (29.24% of total).
- 74% of Geoscience Ireland companies reported turnover growth, 21% reported a decrease and 5% reported no change..
- Total net new jobs for 2018: 253; SMEs accounted for 198 jobs (78.26%).
- Since 2012, Geoscience Ireland companies have created 1,356 jobs.
- 35.7% of turnover came from international markets in 2018.
Sean Finlay, Director of Geoscience Ireland, said; "We are delighted to see the continued growth in our members' turnover and job creation. We will continue to work with our members to source and secure commercial contracts in overseas markets".
Note for Editors
Geological Survey Ireland is the National Earth Science Centre. It is responsible for providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose.
It produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology. It is a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and has about 70 multi-disciplinary staff. www.gsi.ie
Geoscience Ireland is a business cluster of 38 companies, delivering integrated expertise in water, minerals, environmental and infrastructure development to clients in over 75 countries.
It was formed in 2012 and is supported by Geological Survey Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The cluster provides design, consultancy and contracting services to multilateral agencies, governments and the private sector.