AI Usage Surges Among Irish Enterprises

According to new findings from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), more than half of large enterprises in Ireland—specifically 51%—utilized artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024. Notably, 30% of these enterprises employed AI for automated workflows or decision-making, while 28% leveraged it for data mining purposes.

Across all enterprises in Ireland, regardless of size, over 15% reported using AI technologies in their operations during the same year. These figures reflect a significant trend toward digitalization within the Irish business landscape.

Broader Trends in Internet Access and Business Operations

In 2024, a considerable share of large enterprises had access to high-speed broadband, with 57% of these businesses enjoying download speeds of at least 500 Mbps. This enhanced internet connectivity correlates with the increased adoption of online strategies, highlighted by the fact that 24% of all enterprises engaged in targeted advertising based on users’ online behaviors.

For small enterprises, defined as those with between 10 and 49 employees, 38% reported having internet sales. Comparatively, 51% of medium enterprises (50 to 249 employees) and 54% of large enterprises engaged in e-commerce, showcasing varying levels of digital engagement based on enterprise size.

Security and ICT Training

Regarding information and communication technology (ICT) security, more than one in ten enterprises (12%) reported experiencing security incidents that led to temporary unavailability of their services. The survey revealed that one-third (33%) of enterprises voluntarily offered ICT security training, while 25% made such training compulsory, emphasizing the growing emphasis on safeguarding digital operations.

Devin Zibulsky, a statistician in the enterprise statistics division, remarked, “The Information Society Statistics – Enterprises (ISSE) 2024 results reflect the extensive digitalization taking place among Irish businesses.” He noted that the survey encompassed areas such as internet access, e-commerce activities, ICT security, and, notably, the use of AI, providing a comprehensive overview of how technology is integrated into Irish business practices.

Looking Ahead

The CSO stated that future iterations of the survey will continue to evolve, introducing new modules that capture the latest advancements in technology and their impact on business operations. Notably, the 2024 results underscore a consistent trend toward enhanced online capabilities and the utilization of data-driven technologies in the workplace.