A survey carried out by employers' group IBEC and consulting group Amarach has found concerns among companies about energy costs and supply.
72% of the 120 companies surveyed said energy costs were putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared with other countries. The survey found that energy costs were on average 8% lower abroad than in Ireland, though this was based on figures from two-thirds of the companies.
One-sixth of respondents said they were considering relocating to countries with lower costs, including energy, while 54% said security of the energy supply was a concern.
The report found that most companies had absorbed increases in the price of energy, with only 11% passing on some or all of the increase to consumers. Two-thirds have switched from the ESB to independent suppliers.
In a statement, IBEC said it accepted that many of the factors in price rises, such as oil prices, were internationally determined. But it called for domestic measures including the development of an all-island market, clarification of Government proposals for fast-tracking major infrastructure projects, and a review of the current competition model.
