Record number of new .ie domain registrations in Q1 2009

12 May, 2009

The IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the managed registry for Ireland’s internet address .ie today reported that the first quarter of 2009 had the highest level of domain registrations, compared to any other quarter to date.

The latest figures from the IEDR show that a total of 9,781 .ie domains were registered in the first quarter of 2009. Registrations in Q1 2009 were up by 28% compared to Q4 2008. The previous highest number of registrations was recorded in Q1 2008 with 9,092.

Over 80% of the new .ie website addresses were registered by sole traders or limited companies. The remainder were registered by clubs, societies and charities. 98% of the growth in registrations was generated by .ie resellers.

The growing number of companies and sole traders moving their business operations online and choosing to do so with a .ie website is one of the main reasons for the rise, in addition to six consecutive years of price reductions by the IEDR, which has made it more affordable for businesses to do so. The cost of registering a .ie domain has fallen by over 60% since 2003.

Commenting on the record levels of .ie registrations, Mr. David Curtin, Chief Executive of the IE Domain Registry, said “We are very pleased with the strong growth in .ie domain names so far in 2009. It is encouraging to see that despite the economic downturn, businesses are still seeing opportunities for growth online, with over 7,500 domain names registered by businesses in the first three months of the year. Irish businesses and consumers can rely on having a safe and secure online experience when they use .ie domain names.”