10th September 2026
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with responsibility for space policy, Alan Dillon TD, this week represented Ireland at the International Space Summit in Paris, where he welcomed €12.9 million in European Space Agency (ESA) contracts secured by Irish companies in the first half of 2026.
With 130 Irish companies now engaged with ESA and four firms winning their first contracts, Minister Dillon said the results demonstrate Ireland’s growing capability in a sector offering significant opportunities for businesses, researchers and high-value employment.
At the summit, the Minister joined government leaders, industry representatives and international partners to discuss the future of the global space economy and endorsed key declarations on behalf of Ireland.
Minister Dillon said,
“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.
“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 reinforce the Government’s decision at the ESA Ministerial Council in Bremen in November 2025 to increase Ireland’s ESA programme subscription by €40 million, bringing total investment to €170 million.
Minister 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 a series of non-binding declarations supporting a more coordinated European space policy, future space transportation, Earth observation, access to reliable scientific data and the safe and sustainable use of outer space.
Notes for editors
Ireland endorsed the following non-binding declarations at the International Space Summit:
- Europe as a 21st Century Space Power: Supporting a more ambitious, sovereign and coordinated European space policy.
- Long-Term Vision for European Space Transportation: Supporting a joint ESA–EU vision for European space transportation to 2045.
- International Declaration on Copernicus Program: Supporting Copernicus as a vital public good for climate action, environmental monitoring, economic activity and societal resilience.
- ITU Regulatory Framework for Frequency Management: Supporting the ITU as the central global authority for radio spectrum and satellite orbit management.
- Accessibility, Openness and Integrity of Space-based Scientific Data: Supporting accessible, open, reliable and trustworthy scientific data, underpinned by data integrity and international cooperation.
- Sustainable Use of Outer Space for All: Supporting international cooperation for the safe, secure, stable and sustainable use of outer space.
ENDS
Back to Department News