Irish start-up numbers reach record high in first nine months of 2026

A record number of start-ups were formed in Ireland during the first nine months of the year, according to Vision-net by CRIF.

The 21,921 start-ups established during the first three quarters of 2026 represent an 8% increase year-on-year (20,206 in 2025).

18 counties saw an increase in start-up formations compared to the same period last year, led by Sligo (21%), Kilkenny (20%), Laois (19%), Offaly (18%) and Wicklow (16%).

Counties with large urban populations, including Dublin (13%), Limerick (10%), Galway (11%) and Cork (7%), also experienced a positive first half of the year in new start-ups.

Similarly, in the third quarter, 13 sectors registered growth in start-up numbers, including IT (+54%), motor (+23%), manufacturing (+11%) and construction (+15%).

July was the busiest month for new company startups in the last quarter, with 2,800 new companies registered in the month.

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The increase in new company formation comes alongside a significant reduction in recorded commercial and consumer judgments, providing a further indication of resilience across the Irish business and consumer landscape.

The value of commercial judgments fell by 21% year-on-year to €31m, while the volume of commercial judgments declined by 20% over the same period. The volume of consumer judgments also recorded a substantial decline, falling by 24% year-on-year.

"What is particularly encouraging is the spread of this growth. Sectors including IT, motor, manufacturing and construction all recorded increased levels of company formation, while 18 counties saw year-on-year growth," said Christine Cullen, managing director of CRIFVision-net.

"This points to healthy entrepreneurial activity across a diverse range of industries and regions, extending well beyond the major urban centres.”

“While start-up numbers alone do not provide a complete picture of the health of the economy, the combination of record company formation and falling judgment activity provides an important snapshot of business resilience.

"It suggests that, despite the cost pressure, uncertainty and challenges facing many businesses, the Irish entrepreneurial ambition remains as strong as ever. We are seeing record numbers of entrepreneurs continuing to invest, expand and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation.”

*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.