Figures from business information group Experian show that the number of company liquidations in Ireland last year fell to a new 20-year low of 280, compared with 313 in 2005.
Experian Ireland's Liam Reddy said the figures reflected the continued buoyancy of the Irish economy, pointing out that in the UK, company failures increased by more than 10% last year.
But he said there was no room for complacency as the number of firms going into examinership doubled to eight, while the number entering receivership went up from 14 to 16.
Mr Reddy also pointed to increased difficulties in the transport sector, which accounted for 5% of insolvencies last year as it came under pressure from higher fuel prices. But the construction sector accounted for most collapses - around 30%. Mr Reddy said the building boom had attracted a plethora of new companies, who had to deal with tight margins and intense competition.
