Enterprise Ireland’s investment returns slide

The state agency sold off €88m worth of shares in Irish companies last year

Enterprise Ireland sold its stake in Ardmore Studios, home of Penny Dreadful, in March last year for €6 million.

Enterprise Ireland (EI)’s investment returns fell in 2018 while the amount it spent supporting Irish businesses through grants and investments also dropped, its latest annual report shows.

The state agency – which is responsible for developing start-up businesses in Ireland – saw the net financial return from its investments drop from €38.5 million in 2017 to €24.2 million in 2018, its annual report states.

Meanwhile, the total value of its various financial supports ...