Ireland commits €170m to European space programmes
Ireland is investing more than €170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes between now and 2030. This funding will help Irish companies grow in the fast-expanding global space industry.
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business & Retail Alan Dillon, announced the investment while attending a major ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany. The meeting brings together ministers from 23 countries to plan the future of space activities in Europe.
Space technology affects everyday life – from weather forecasting and GPS navigation to secure communications. By investing in ESA programmes, Ireland is helping its businesses develop cutting-edge technologies that can be used in space and beyond.
Ireland will support ESA projects in areas such as Earth observation (monitoring the planet); secure communications; navigation systems; space transportation; and human and robotic exploration.
Minister Dillon said: “Space impacts so much of our daily life, often without us realising. This investment will help Irish businesses grow, create jobs, and tackle big challenges like climate change and cybersecurity.”
The global space economy is expected to triple in size, reaching $1.8 trillion by 2035. Irish companies are already making their mark: the number of firms working with ESA has grown from 70 in 2019 to 120 in 2025. Last year, 21 Irish companies won their first ESA contracts, creating new jobs and opportunities.
This investment is part of Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise, which aims to build a sustainable space industry and position Irish companies to compete globally.
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