Mayo's Minister Dillon highlights growth in Ireland's space sector as firms eye opportunities
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD represented Ireland at the International Space Summit in Paris this week, where he welcomed news of €12.9 million in European Space Agency (ESA) contracts secured by Irish companies in the first half of 2026.
Dillon, who holds responsibility for space policy at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said 130 Irish companies are now engaged with ESA, with four firms winning their first contracts in the period.
The Minister said the results show Ireland's growing capability in a sector offering significant opportunities for businesses, researchers and high-value employment.
At the summit, Dillon joined government leaders, industry representatives and international partners to discuss the future of the global space economy, and endorsed a series of key declarations on Ireland's behalf.
"Ireland's space sector is building real momentum. The €12.9 million in contracts secured in the first half of this year demonstrates how Irish companies are turning expertise and innovation into international business," Dillon said.
"Four firms winning their first ESA contracts is particularly encouraging. It shows the potential for more Irish businesses and emerging start-ups to enter this market, develop new technologies and compete globally.
"This summit is an opportunity to strengthen the partnerships that help our companies grow and ensure Ireland plays an active role in shaping the future of the sector."
The results follow the Government's decision at the ESA Ministerial Council in Bremen last November to increase Ireland's ESA programme subscription by €40 million, bringing total investment to €170 million.
Dillon added: "Our increased investment reflects the strength of Irish capability and our ambition for what comes next. We want to help businesses scale internationally, access new markets and create high-value jobs at home.
"Space technologies also deliver wider benefits, supporting environmental monitoring, climate action and innovation across the economy. Continued investment in research, alongside strong international cooperation, will be essential to realising that potential."
On behalf of Ireland, the Minister endorsed five non-binding declarations at the summit, backing a more coordinated European space policy, a joint ESA-EU vision for space transportation to 2045, the Copernicus Earth observation programme, the International Telecommunication Union's role in managing radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and open, reliable scientific data.