The latest AIB Business Activity Report speaks to a renewed level of optimism amongst Irish businesses as firms look beyond the pandemic, to a rebound in demand as lockdown restrictions ease. With the output of many businesses still below pre-pandemic levels and supply chain disruptions impacting operations, it is clear that challenges persist for a significant proportion of Irish firms.

Irish private sector firms are less optimistic regarding the 12 month outlook in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis and ongoing Brexit uncertainty according to the latest AIB Ireland Business Activity Report.

SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy and in every village, town and city throughout Ireland they play key role in job creation and sustaining many other local SMEs.

The outlook for the nursing home sector remains positive as demand for long and short term care beds continues to increase across the country due to Irelands ageing population.

While still in positive territory the latest round of data gathered for the AIB Ireland Business Activity Insight Report shows a continued period of reduced optimism among Irish businesses.

The Irish manufacturing landscape is changing and companies that invest in R&D will be best positioned to develop, grow and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Tourism in Ireland contributed over €9bn to the economy in 2018. This report takes a holistic view of Ireland’s Hospitality and Tourism sector, breaking it down into four primary subsectors, namely Eating, Sleeping, Drinking and Attractions places.

This report highlights the continued downward trend in growth expectations, particularly in the manufacturing sector, driven by uncertainty on the final outcome of Brexit and slowing economic growth. 

As the Irish economy continues to grow, the outlook for legal services firms - most of which have recorded strong growth in recent years remains cautiously optimistic.