Half of Irish business planning to increase capital investment this year [Video]

Nearly half of Irish businesses are planning to increase investment in capital projects this year, according to the latest barometer survey from Azets Ireland.

Of the 136 firms polled by the professional services firm, 48% said they plan to increase investment compared to 37% in the UK.

Irish businesses have the highest levels of intended investment in northern Europe, with plans to increase capital expenditure by an average of 22.8% over the next 12 months, compared to 10.3% in Sweden, 9.4% in Denmark, and 8.4% in Norway.

The findings show that firms in the construction sector (29.6%) have the highest forecasted increase in investment, closely followed by businesses in the manufacturing sector (27.5%).

Small and mid-sized businesses report strong increases in intended investment, with capital expenditure rising by 28.8% among small businesses and 28.3% among mid-sized firms.

Overall, 63% of small businesses and 51% of mid-sized businesses plan on increasing investment in 2025.

Additionally, the survey reveals that 49% …