Ireland has been a member of the European Union (EU) since January 1, 1973. The EU is a customs union having free trade among the 15 Member States, while levying a common tariff on imports coming from non-EU countries. Europe represents a market of over 370 million people.
Ireland has close transport connections to international markets. No part of the country is more than 70 miles from a harbor or airport, from which frequent shipping and air services connect with the UK, Continental Europe, and other international destinations. …
