Waterford records third highest net job growth in Ireland

- 5.1% net jobs growth for Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2025 across Waterford

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD has welcomed figures from Enterprise Ireland, which show Waterford had the third highest rate of net job growth in the countryin 2025, underlining the South East’s position as a key region for employment growth.

The figures show strong and broad-based regional job creation in 2025, with total employment across Enterprise Ireland companies rising to 232,425 – a net increase of 2,938 jobs over the year. The results confirm that 69% of all new jobs were created outside Dublin, with every region in the country recording employment growth.

Speaking today, Minister Cummins said: “These results clearly demonstrate the strength, resilience and ambition of Irish businesses, and show the real impact of Fine Gael’s commitment to balanced regional development. Enterprise Ireland supported companies are continuing to create high quality, future focused jobs in communities across Ireland – the result of which we can see here in Waterford. This strong regional performance is particularly encouraging and reflects strategic investment in skills, innovation and local enterprise growth.”

The county-by-county breakdown underscores significant gains across the country. In Waterford, employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies rose by 5.7% in 2025 – as 261 net new jobs were created, reinforcing the county’s growing base of enterprise and expert-focused employers. Enterprise Ireland also directly invested €49.5 million in Irish companies in 2025, leveraging €440m in total investment to support scaling, innovation and export-led growth.

Minister Cummins added:

“These figures show that our long-term focus on supporting entrepreneurs, boosting regional enterprise and enabling Irish companies to grow internationally is delivering real results. Fine Gael remains committed to ensuring that every region benefits from Ireland’s economic success.”