Seven out of ten SMEs in Ireland reported being more pessimistic about their business outlook compared to six months earlier, according to a survey by chartered accountants.
Industry & EmploymentIreland
- Omissions
- The exact figure is 71%, not exactly 70% (seven out of ten), though this is a minor rounding difference within the 1 percentage point tolerance.
- The survey was conducted in partnership with GRID Finance, not solely by chartered accountants, though Chartered Accountants Ireland is the lead organisation cited.
- The survey question asked about being 'less optimistic about the economic environment' rather than 'more pessimistic' — these are equivalent framings, but the original wording uses 'less optimistic'.
- Sources
- PrimaryChartered Accountants Ireland71% of SMEs less optimistic about the economic environment than they were six months ago, up from 54% in October 2025. The survey was conducted by Coyne Research between 26 March 2026 and 19 April 2026.
- SecondaryIrish Examiner71% of SMEs less optimistic about the economic environment than they were six months ago. The latest six-monthly SME Business Sentiment Survey from Chartered Accountants Ireland and GRID Finance.