Bailout Exit this Year to Boost Ireland’s Reputation – IDA Ireland

Ireland’s planned exit from the `troika’ lending programme at the end of this year will give Ireland a major’reputational boost’ overseas, says the IDA.

‘When the eventual exit comes there will be a big reputational boost,’ said IDA Ireland Chief Executive Barry O’Leary. He was speaking to members of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce about the health of Ireland’s ‘brand’ and reputation.

‘Looking at things today, there is no doubt the sentiment is improving, and in the US in particular it has improved significantly,’ he said. ‘Any challenges about Ireland now are just not raised. In any of the interactions we have with companies, there is a lot of positivity about Ireland,’ he added. IDA currently works with over 1,000 client companies.

O’Leary was speaking during a talk to Chamber members about how Ireland’s brand suffered during the peak of the financial crisis and how Ireland is viewed now by new and existing investors. O’Leary said a number of factors were at play in the improvement in sentiment. ‘The fact that the NTMA can go into the market is good,’ he pointed out. O’Leary emphasised that much of the brand building was now done online, via social media, where IDA is highly active.

O’Leary was speaking in Dublin at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce SMART series.  These events are themed around issues crucial to the economic growth and development of the economy. The quality and variety of speakers ensures an informative debate.

Former speakers include John Herlihy, Head of Google Ireland; Robert Watt , Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; Ruairí Quinn TD, Minister for Education and Skills and Paddy Cosgrave, founder of the Dublin and London Web Summit.