- published: 10 Feb 2016
- views: 123
Coordinates: 53°20′N 08°00′W / 53.333°N 8°W / 53.333; -8
Ireland (pronounced [ˈaɪrlənd] ( listen); Irish: Éire [ˈeːɾʲə] ( listen); Ulster Scots: Airlann or Airlan) is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the larger island of Great Britain, from which it is separated by the Irish Sea.
Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland, which covers just under five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, which covers the remainder and is located in the northeast of the island. The population of Ireland is approximately 6.4 million. Just under 4.6 million live in the Republic of Ireland and just under 1.8 million live in Northern Ireland.
Relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain epitomise Ireland's geography with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable oceanic climate, which avoids extremes in temperature. Thick woodlands covered the island until the 17th century. Today, it is one of the most deforested areas in Europe. There are twenty-six extant mammal species native to Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish leading state economic development agency focused on helping Irish-owned business deliver new export sales. The core mission of Enterprise Ireland is to accelerate the development of Irish enterprises capable of achieving strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity and purchasing power.
Enterprise Ireland has established a reputation as the leading development agency in the world.
Enterprise Ireland continues to drive the transformation of Irish industry by stimulating the creation of innovative companies that can compete on international markets.
For example, entrepreneurs in a business start-up situation might benefit from participating in an Enterprise Platform Programme (EPP).
Through the extensive network of 13 Irish offices, 34 international offices and a network of business development advisors, it works with Irish companies to secure and grow their international business.
Enterprise Ireland provides financial support and advice to Irish technology companies and helps them in promotion to foreign markets. The Irish software sector is one area that Enterprise Ireland supports companies that are termed 'High Potential Starts Ups' such as firms that are seen to have specific niche in the market with a service or product that has Enterprise Ireland believe has a lot of potential for success.