The Ireland Department of Finance has published the 2025 SME Credit Delivery Survey, based on in-depth interviews with more than 1,500 businesses, showing improved trading conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises alongside reduced demand for bank borrowing. The survey found that 51% of SMEs reported higher turnover in 2025, up from 44% in 2024, and 76% reported making a profit, up from 73%. Bank finance applications fell to 16% from 20%, while 30% of SMEs said they plan to invest in Artificial Intelligence over the next three years. Among firms that did not seek credit, 82% said they had sufficient internal funds. Applications for government financial support or other non-bank finance were unchanged at 7%. For new finance, the average credit application value rose to EUR 349,114 from EUR 260,059, while 38% of finance applicants were required to provide collateral, down from 40%, with collateral averaging 54% of the loan amount. The survey also found that 21% of SMEs exported, up from 19%, 56% identified uncertainty as a barrier to investment, and 67% said they did not use Artificial Intelligence in producing goods or providing services during 2023 to 2025.

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