Wicklow job creation sup four percent

THE number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies rose by four per cent in 2017.

Some 4,132 people are now employed by Wicklow companies supported by the Government agency responsible for developing Irish business globally.

Nationally, 19,332 new jobs were created by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2017 while 209,388 people are now employed in companies supported by the agency.

This represents a net increase of 10,309 jobs for 2017, taking account of job losses.

Two-thirds (64 per cent) of the new jobs created were outside of Dublin.

The west, mid-west and north west saw the largest level of increases at seven per cent last year.

There was strong jobs growth in a number of sectors, including eight per cent rises in construction, engineering and life-sciences, six per cent rises in digital technology and electronics, a five per cent increase in the ICT sectors and a four per cent increase in food.