Louth Surge in .ie Domain Registrations

The digital landscape in Louth is evolving rapidly, as evidenced by the latest findings from the .ie Domain Profile Report 2023. Meanwhile, Louth celebrated a notable uptick in .ie domain registrations, with over 1,000 new registrations recorded in 2023. This represents a 3.68% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting the region’s growing digital footprint. Louth’s total of 1,042 .ie domains contributes to Ireland’s database of 328,245 domains, with a slight net reduction observed from 2022.

Across Ireland, Donegal witnessed the most significant growth in .ie domain registrations, recording a remarkable 34.55% increase compared to 2022. Border counties like Sligo also showcased strong growth, with a 16.91% rise in registrations. In Leinster, Westmeath and Waterford emerged as top performers, with impressive year-on-year growth rates of 18.72% and 16.65%, respectively.

The report delves into the usage patterns and trends within the .ie domain landscape, revealing intriguing insights into keyword preferences. Notably, 24 counties incorporated their county name or “Ireland” as top keywords, reflecting a sense of regional pride and identity. Other popular keywords included “Green,” “Solar,” “Fest,” “Kebab,” and “Pizza,” highlighting diverse interests and industries.

Amidst the digital expansion, cybersecurity remains a paramount concern. The report noted a slight increase in cyberattacks on the .ie namespace, with phishing scams comprising 49% of the total attacks. Despite these challenges, .ie domains boast significantly lower levels of spam and cyber threats compared to other top-level domains.

Looking ahead, 2024 heralds significant regulatory changes, including the implementation of the NIS2 Directive, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across critical sectors. David Curtin, Chief Executive of .ie, emphasized the importance of readiness and proactive measures to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

The report also shed light on the digitalization efforts of Irish businesses, highlighting both progress and areas for improvement. While over one-third of new .ie domain registrants identified as commercial entities, only 11.43% of .ie domains incorporated e-commerce functionality. Minister of State Neale Richmond underscored the importance of digitalization and e-commerce for Irish businesses, urging companies to leverage available supports and embrace online opportunities.

As Louth and Ireland continue to embrace digital transformation, stakeholders are urged to collaborate, innovate, and prioritize cybersecurity and digitalization initiatives to foster a thriving and secure digital ecosystem for all.