Ireland today is at a crossroads, economically speaking. Since the start of the decade, the country has managed to attract considerable direct inward investment from foreign – primarily American – companies, owing to its low tax regime, language and access to the EU and its attendant bodies, the single market and customs union.

There are now more than 700 US businesses operating in Ireland, up from around 600 in 2011. Over the last 20 years, Ireland has received more than $277bn (£182bn) of US investment, and more than Brazil, Russia, India and China combined, according to the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.

Those companies, the chamber adds, contribute $80bn to the Irish economy, 34% of Ireland’s GDP, and €3bn (£2.63bn) to the Irish Exchequer each year. Moreover, 74% of inward investment into Ireland is attributable to the US, with more than 150,000 people in Ireland working for US businesses.

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