The role of the marine sector in the Irish national economy: An input–output analysis

Recent research in Ireland has estimated both the national and regional economic value of the marine sector. However, economic activity does not exist in a vacuum. Activities in the marine sector not only directly affect the industries in the sector but also influence other sectors through inter-sectoral linkages. This paper uses an input–output (IO) methodology to examine the linkages and production effects of the Irish marine sector on the national economy. Disaggregating the Irish IO table for 2007 to include 10 additional marine sectors, this paper represents the first effort to quantify the inter-industry linkage effects, production-inducing effects and employment multipliers in the marine sector. This analysis found that a number of marine sectors, notably the maritime transportation sector, have an important economic role within the wider Irish economy.

► Using input–output analysis the indirect impact of the marine sector on the Irish national economy is examined.
► The marine sectors with the greatest links to the broader economy are highlighted.
► The production and employment multipliers associated with the marine sector are presented.
► The policy usefulness within the marine sector of input–output analysis is outlined.