Ireland’s green economy, encompassing the environment goods and services sector, has continued its strong growth, with the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showing a gross output of €12.1 billion in 2023. This represents a 10% increase compared with 2022, reflecting rising demand for sustainable solutions and environmentally focused services across the country.
The sector also generated a gross value added of €5.0 billion, demonstrating the significant contribution of the green economy to Ireland’s overall economic output. Employment in the sector remains robust, with 48,400 full-time equivalent workers engaged in activities across renewable energy, waste management, clean water, and other environmentally focused industries.
The CSO highlights the five largest contributors to sector output:
Renewable Energy – €3.1 billion
Wastewater Management – €1.9 billion
Waste Management – €1.8 billion
Energy Saving – €1.7 billion
Clean Water Supply – €1.4 billion
These figures underscore the growing importance of sustainability and environmental solutions in Ireland’s economy, both in terms of revenue and employment. The renewable energy and energy-saving segments, in particular, highlight the ongoing national transition toward low-carbon technologies and efficiency-focused practices.
With the sector expanding rapidly, there is increasing demand for professionals with expertise in environmental management, renewable energy, water treatment, and sustainability solutions. Upskilling opportunities and targeted professional training can help individuals take advantage of this growth and support Ireland’s transition to a greener economy.
For professionals seeking to develop skills in these high-growth areas, Ireland offers a wide range of training courses, from renewable energy certifications to environmental management and sustainability programs.
