26,500 new companies were formed in Ireland last year, the highest annual figure in 15 years, according to a new report.
The data compiled by CRIFVision-Net shows that there was an 11% increase in the number of start-ups in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The sectors with the largest year-on-year growth in new firms included agriculture at 38%, IT up 29% and construction aup18%, which the report said reflects "the urgent demand for housing and infrastructure."
There was a 9% increase in the number of new wholesale/retail companies, with hospitality up 5%.
The report said while Dublin accounted for over 40% of all new companies with 11,450 start-ups, there was growth across the country.
The highest rate of startups included Cork, where 2,552 new firms were added, followed by Galway at 1,145, Kildare on 1,124, and Meath at 1,018.
The managing director of CRIFVision-Net said last year's figures" demonstrate remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial ambition across Ireland."
Christine Cullen said while the surge in new start-ups is encouraging, she said the data "also underscores the importance of supporting established businesses facing rising costs and tighter credit conditions."
"By nurturing both emerging and existing enterprises, Ireland can sustain this momentum and strengthen its economy amid global uncertainties," she added.
The CRIFVision-Net analysis also found there was a sharp rise in commercial judgments.
The report said the mounting financial pressure on established firms suggest that "targeted supports will be vital to sustain this momentum into 2026."
The data showed that there were 1,808 judgments against companies recorded last year, totalling €47.2 million.
The figures epresenta a 67% jump in value and a 29% increase in cases compared to 2024.
CRIFVision-Net said the trend "indicates that more businesses are struggling to meet payment commitments, forcing creditors to seek legal recourse."
Christine Cullen said the data highlights a widening gap between entrepreneurial activity and financial resilience.
"While it is encouraging to see strong levels of start-up formation, the rise in commercial judgments signals that many existing businesses are under significant financial pressure."
Ms Cullen said more companies are "struggling to meet payment obligations, which is increasingly forcing creditors to seek legal recourse."
"If rising costs, tighter credit conditions and export market volatility persist without adequate support, there is a real risk that today’s start-up momentum will not translate into sustainable long-term growth," she added.
