The dot ie Domain Registry (IEDR) – the official registry for dot ie Internet domain names and maintains the database of registered dot ie domain names – has announced its financial and registration results for the year ending 31 December 2015.
There were 35,225 new dot ie registrations in 2015, an increase of 13.4% when compared to 2014 (31,072). Accounting for dot ie non-renewals or deletions, there was a net increase in registrations of 12,929, up 48% on 2014.
Turnover at the company increased 5% to €2.86 million. The company registered an operating loss of €517,082 in 2015. The loss is principally accounted for as a result of expenditure of €508,000 on activities under the company’s strategic development fund.
The Fund, which has been extended into 2016, was established to finance promotion, marketing and customer service initiatives for the dot ie namespace. In 2015 it supported activities such as website development and e-commerce assistance for SMEs via the Optimise fund, marketing and advertising campaigns for .ie accredited registrars and local and national integrated media promotional campaigns.
The IEDR also continued to work with key stakeholder and SME representative groups to support the Irish Internet community via event sponsorships and partnerships.
The dot ie domain registry also recorded another first in the first quarter of 2015 when it reached the milestone of 200,000 registered dot ie domains.
2015 saw the publication of IEDR’s bi-annual flagship research The dot ie Digital Health Index which examines the health of 500 Irish SME’s digital presence by analysing the number of websites, apps, social media accounts and online sales ability. In addition, to one and two letter and Irish language, or fada-enabled domains, IEDR will launch a new service later in 2016, which allows existing domain holders to sell-on their ‘right to use’ dot ie domains. Buyers will need to comply with the current rules for new applicants.
David Curtin, chief executive, IEDR, said: “2015 overall was a positive year for IEDR, one in which we consolidated our market leader status and positioned the company for long-term growth and sustainability. In 2015 and again in 2016, we are investing in the future of the dot ie domain name.
“We continue to remain the identifiably Irish domain of choice for Irish businesses and are working closely with the SME community to ensure that all within it appreciate the value of having an online and digital presence. The number of businesses with a website and online presence continues to grow each year. Notwithstanding this, policymakers must continue to strive to drive home the message that e-commerce functionality is a key component for all Irish businesses, just as important as any other aspect of running a business,” added Curtin.
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