Overview
Industry sources record market demand for products and services in the Irish safety and security market at $0.6 billion. Commercial, industrial, and public sectors are the principal end-user segments with law enforcement and Irish operations of large multinational companies underpinning demand. The small competitive market features leading international vendors competing for market share. The sector continues to benefit from the focus on security and counter terrorism at a global and regional EU level to combat the ongoing threat of crime allied to a broad demand for security products and services.
The threat from terrorism to Ireland is relatively low overall compared with European countries. While the threat to national infrastructure would be characterized at the lower end of the scale, the Irish government and its security agencies remain vigilant and strategies for counterterrorism, homeland security and critical infrastructure protection are in place. With its large digital economy, Ireland is increasingly facing cybersecurity threats. This has led to increased spending on cyber security – both public and private sector. The Government is also implementing its digital transformation agenda to move more services online.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Access Control and Identity Management
The presence of 1,700 multinational companies (MNCs) in Ireland, including nearly 1,000 U.S. firms, with significant critical operational facilities across the country has driven demand for access control solutions. Most MNCs deploy solutions that are mandated at a corporate level. Local organizations across manufacturing, agri-business, financial services and the public-sector are increasingly deploying access control solutions.
Screening and Detection
Security at Ireland’s international airports and other high-profile national locations remains a key driver of demand for advanced screening solutions. Ireland’s three main airports have upgraded their baggage handling systems to comply with EU mandated explosive detection requirements. U.S. vendors have secured contracts to provide the relevant technology for these upgrade projects. Maritime security and customs cargo scanning projects at Ireland’s principal shipping ports have attracted significant U.S. and international interest.
Opportunities
The need to secure critical national infrastructure going forward will create opportunities for a range of products and services such as security screening, biometric, connectivity, crowd management, physical protection of assets, intelligent surveillance, and anti-drone systems. Products and technologies offering opportunities include security and building automation, access control, digital CCTV and surveillance systems, biometrics and internet security. Irish suppliers and end users are very receptive to U.S. technology and products, however innovative, leading-edge and competitively priced products are critical for market success.
Resources
Irish Security Industry Association: https://www.isia.ie/
The Private Security Authority of Ireland: https://www.psa-gov.ie/
ASIS International Ireland Chapter: https://www.asis.ie/
TechCentral: https://www.techcentral.ie/
Silicon Republic: https://www.siliconrepublic.com/
Public Procurement Portal (eTenders): https://www.etenders.gov.ie/
For more information about Ireland’s Safety and Security sector, please contact:
Padraig O’Connor
Commercial Advisor – Security Sector
U.S. Commercial Service Ireland
Tel: +353.87.2314726
Email: Padraig.O’Connor@trade.gov