And the best eCounty in Ireland is (drum roll) …

Dublin! Well that wouldn’t be hard because of the presence of some of the world’s biggest internet and e-commerce firms there, but the stakes are high in the new Google-sponsored eCounties awards since firms with a website grow faster than those without.

Wicklow, Carlow and Meath were next in line on the list of counties whose businesses are growing and contributing to future economic growth.

However, it must be pointed out that the eCounties Awards are awarded to companies that rank the highest in Google AdWords and Getting Irish Business Online campaign penetration – so it’s a pretty Googlised version of events.

That said, at least by stoking up county-by-county rivalry Google may be at least stirring up a passion for digital business in a country that lags behind the rest of the world.

Internet drives growth

Announcing the rankings, Ireland’s Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, TD, pointed out: “International reports have shown that the internet is contributing up to 8pc of GDP in some economies, powering growth, and creating jobs.”

The list (see below) brought up some interesting findings – both Wicklow and Carlow, which are ranked second and third respectively and surpassed larger counties like Cork, are among the least industrialised at the top of the list.

“The internet drives the growth of both big and small businesses and these awards aim to encourage more counties to grasp this potential,” said Simon Bolger, Google’s director of EMEA Online Partnerships.

“Before the end of the year, Google will also visit some of the counties which are ranked outside the top 10 in this year’s eCounty Awards, holding workshops for local businesses to meet with Google experts who will give them advice on getting online,” he added.

Full eCounties List

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