This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Overview

Market demand for products and services in the Irish safety and security market is estimated at $3-4 billion.  Demand is currently strongest in the commercial, industrial and consumer segments with the presence of many large multinational companies in Ireland underpinning demand.  It is a very competitive market with strong international competition.  The market continues to benefit from the focus on security and counter terrorism at a global and regional EU level to guard against the increased threat of crime and the general demand for security products and services.

The threat from terrorism to Ireland is low overall compared with European countries such as the UK and France.  While the threat to national infrastructure would be characterized at the lower end of the scale, the Irish government and its security agencies remain vigilant and strategies for counter-terrorism, homeland security and critical infrastructure protection are in place.

With its large digital economy, Ireland is increasingly facing cybersecurity threats.  This has led to an upsurge in spending on cyber security – both public and private sector. The Government is also implementing its digital transformation agenda to move more and more services online.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Access Control and Identity Management
The presence of 1,000 multinational companies (MNCs) in Ireland including 700 U.S. firms with significant critical operational facilities across the country has driven demand for access control solutions.  Most MNCs deploy solutions that are mandated at a corporate level.  Local firms across manufacturing, agri-business, financial services and the public-sector are increasingly deploying access control solutions.

Screening and Detection
The need for increased security at Ireland’s international airports and other high-profile national locations continues to drive the demand for better and more sophisticated screening solutions from which U.S. companies offering advanced technologies in these sub-sectors can benefit.  Ireland’s three main airports have initiated plans to update their baggage handling systems to comply with the EU’s new explosive detection requirements that come into effect from 2020.

Opportunities

The need to secure critical national infrastructure going forward will create opportunities for a range of products and services such as security screening, biometric, connectivity, crowd management, physical protection of assets, intelligent surveillance, and anti-drone systems.  Products and technologies offering opportunities include security and building automation, access control, digital CCTV and surveillance systems, biometrics and internet security.   Irish suppliers and end users are very receptive to U.S. products however, innovative, leading-edge and competitively priced products are critical for market success.

Web Resources

Irish Security Industry Association: http://www.isia.ie
The Private Security Authority of Ireland: https://www.psa.gov.ie
ASIS International Ireland Chapter: https://www.asis.ie/
TechCentral: http://www.techcentral.ie
Silicon Republic: http://www.siliconrepublic.com
Public Procurement Portal (eTenders): http://www.etenders.gov.ie

For more information about Ireland’s Safety and Security sector, please contact:

Padraig O'Connor
Commercial Advisor – Security Sector
U.S. Commercial Service Dublin
Tel: +353 1 2375848
Email: Padraig.O’Connor@trade.gov
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.