Sure, It’ll Be Grand

Why It Matters

The outlook signals sustained momentum for Ireland’s export‑driven economy, reassuring investors and policymakers about the resilience of its corporate sector. It also highlights where CFOs are allocating focus—energy and inflation—guiding future resource allocation.

Key Takeaways

• 94% of Irish CFOs expect 2026 growth
• Average growth forecast remains around 9%
• Energy costs and inflation top CFO concerns
• Geopolitical risks rank low, strategy unchanged
• Large firms anticipate 6% growth, higher export exposure

Pulse Analysis

Ireland’s economy has entered a rare phase of double‑digit expansion, propelled by a surge in pharmaceutical exports that lifted GDP nearly 13% in 2025. This macro backdrop fuels CFO confidence, as EY’s latest survey reveals that almost all senior finance executives anticipate continued growth into 2026. The optimism is not merely anecdotal; it aligns with broader data showing robust foreign direct investment and a diversified export portfolio that cushions the economy from U.S. tariff pressures. For investors, the signal is clear: Irish firms are positioned to capitalize on global demand while maintaining healthy profit margins.

Despite the buoyant growth outlook, Irish CFOs are vigilant about cost pressures. Energy expenses emerge as the top concern for 70% of respondents, reflecting lingering volatility in global energy markets and the country’s reliance on imported fuels. Inflation worries follow closely, cited by 51% of finance leaders, underscoring the challenge of preserving purchasing power and managing wage expectations. Interestingly, traditional geopolitical and supply‑chain anxieties rank low, suggesting that Irish companies have built resilient operational frameworks that can absorb external shocks without drastic strategic pivots. This stability is reinforced by 80% of CFOs reporting unchanged strategic direction, indicating confidence in existing plans and a reluctance to make reactive adjustments.

The strategic implications are twofold. First, investors should monitor energy‑cost mitigation strategies, such as renewable investments and hedging, as they will likely differentiate outperformers. Second, the modest growth expectations among larger firms (around 6%) hint at a nuanced view of export exposure, where scale brings both opportunity and heightened sensitivity to global trade dynamics. Policymakers can leverage this data to reinforce support for energy efficiency programs and inflation‑targeted fiscal measures, ensuring the momentum sustains. Overall, the EY poll paints a picture of a resilient Irish corporate sector that balances optimism with pragmatic risk management, a combination that bodes well for sustained economic health.