The number of people employed in companies baced by Shannon Development fell by 11% last year to 6,320, according to the agency's end-of-year review.
Shannon Development said 80% of these job losses were the result of companies cutting their workforces, rather than closures.
The agency said companies it supported generated €3.5 billion worth of sales, with 94% of these to export markets.
Shannon Development gave €15.5m in support to companies, saying this generated €57m in investment from firms.
Chief executive Vincent Cunnane said its focus would be on protecting and preserving jobs. 14 companies in the Shannon Free Zone secured €2m through the Government's Employment Subsidy Scheme. The agency says these companies have committed to maintaining more than 1,500 jobs.
Mr Cunnane said 2009 was a tough year for the region's tourism industry, and though figures were not yet available, they would show a drop in visitor numbers to the region.
