4th March 2026
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have today published the First Progress Report on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. This marks six months of coordinated delivery across government to strengthen Ireland’s economic resilience and expand opportunities for Irish businesses in global markets.
The action plan, published in September 2025, set out more than 100 actions across government to strengthen Ireland’s economic resilience, reduce over‑dependence on individual markets, and open new opportunities for Irish exporters, tourism, and investment. The first progress report highlights strong delivery momentum, with 10 actions already completed and the vast majority underway across all four strategic objectives.
Highlights achieved include the 2026 St Patrick’s Day Programme, the largest yet. The destinations and messages to international audiences reflect the action plan’s ambitions in core markets and emerging markets. A successful first Joint Economic Commission with the United Arab Emirates was held in the UAE in December 2025. Early results on expanding Agency footprint include Seoul, Zurich, Dubai and Delhi. New Innovation Attachés are already in Boston and San Francisco. We announced a reinforcement of economic capacity at our target market Missions in December. We put in place a range of enterprise supports, including financial, advisory and programmes. Budget 2026 included many market diversification supportive measure to pursue in 2026.
Overall, this first progress report demonstrates steady implementation, strong interdepartmental cooperation and a clear commitment to delivering on the ambitions set out in the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification. Continued focus and coordination will remain essential as implementation advances over future reporting periods.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said
“The report highlights the strong and sustained emphasis on delivery across government departments and agencies. It reflects a coordinated effort to support Irish SMEs and ensure we de-risk our markets, providing pathways for new trade and opportunities while cementing and consolidating our existing successful partnerships. It is our ambition to maintain Ireland’s position as the best place in Europe to work, do business in and to visit, and we continue to work with all stakeholders with this goal in mind.
This report marks an important milestone. It demonstrates substantial progress and provides a strong foundation for the next phase of delivery.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee added
“The Action Plan on Market Diversification is a central element of the government’s response to the changed geo-economic context. Diversifying markets is an important part of Ireland’s ongoing management of risks to our continued prosperity.
I commend colleagues across the many government departments and agencies as they continue to deliver on the ambitions of the Action Plan. I also want thank Team Ireland colleagues based in Ireland’s overseas missions for supporting, delivering and representing the market diversification agenda.”
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