PRODUCT PROFILE

Latest Dublin Prices

Google launch Irish eCounties Awards

Monday, September 10 12:00:15

Google today saluted the counties in Ireland that are harnessing the internet for economic growth, announcing the inaugural Google Ireland eCounties Awards.

Google looked at 26 of Ireland's 32 counties and ranked each in terms of their AdWords customer growth coupled with the number of local businesses which embraced the Getting Irish Business Online initiative over the last year.

The eCounties Award winners were announced by Minister Pat Rabbitte, TD in Google today. The top eCounty in Ireland is Dublin, followed by Wicklow and Carlow. Google will be hosting events in Carlow and Wicklow next week to celebrate their eCounty Awards.

Speaking about the Awards, Minister Rabbitte said; "International reports have shown that the Internet is contributing up to 8 percent of GDP in some economies, powering growth, and creating jobs. The Government recognises the potential of the digital economy to stimulate economic growth and is committed to putting in place the infrastructure and supports to help deliver that potential for the benefit of local economies across this country".

"A report published by Boston Consulting Group makes clear that small businesses with a website grow faster than businesses without a web presence. It is important that we promote the benefits of getting online to SMEs and businesses across Ireland. Dublin, Wicklow and Carlow are setting the example for other counties to follow. Businesses and public sector agencies in these counties are reaping the economic rewards of being online and I am very pleased to present this Award to Dublin as the No 1 eCounty in Ireland".

The Lord Mayor of Dublin was represented by former Lord Mayor, Cllr. Andrew Montague. He said: "It is encouraging to know that so many businesses are getting online in Dublin. We know that the internet can reduce costs and open up new markets for businesses. This award from Google is a great tribute to the resilience of the City and County in these times of economic difficulty. Our entrepreneurs and business people are finding new and profitable ways to stimulate their businesses and their success online will ultimately grow the Dublin economy for the benefit of all our citizens".