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A TOTAL of 716 new .ie domains were registered in Kerry in the first half of 2020 up to June 30, a 17% year-on-year increase, according to new figures released today by IE Domain Registry in its latest .ie Domain Profile Report.
There were 6,303 new .ie domain registrations in Munster (up 32% year-on-year) and 33,286 across the island of Ireland, a 26% year-on-year increase.
Over 40% of all new registrations in Ireland occurred in the two months of May and June, as businesses reacted to the consequences of the Government’s first closure orders.
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IE Domain Registry, which manages and administers Ireland’s country domain name, .ie, said the increase suggests that more companies, self-employed business owners, and independent professionals have gone online since the lockdown to maintain their revenue streams, stay in contact with customers, and expand into new markets.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a noticeable effect on new .ie registrations in Kerry and the island of Ireland,” said David Curtin, Chief Executive of IE Domain Registry.
“This significant digital expansion suggests that all business owners and entrepreneurs, whether they’re in urban or rural areas, understood that having a trusted, uniquely Irish online presence was absolutely crucial in a time of lockdown, when nearly all physical premises were shut and footfall was extremely low or non-existent.”
“Having an online presence means that these businesses can stay in contact with their customers, build on their relationships, and, most important of all, continue to sell to them through an online store, click-and-collect service, or voucher booking system.”
“Irish SMEs’ ability to cater to consumer choice and comfort, by providing both an online experience and an in-store shopping experience, will be key to Kerry and the country’s economic recovery in 2020 and beyond,” he said.
Other key .ie stats are that…
• 59% of all new .ie registrations in H1 2020 were by companies or the self-employed.
• New .ie registrations by individuals increased by more than 35% year on year in H1 2020.
• Great Britain accounts for the majority of internationally registered .ie domains.
• New .ie domain registrations that include a fada increased by 13% (39 in H1 2019 vs 44 in H1 2020).
• 41% of .ie websites now have a security certificate.
• In line with increased public awareness of climate action, “green”-related keywords in .ie web addresses (such as “clean”, “solar”, and “sustainable”) increased by 33% year-on-year in H1 2020.
• Only 51% of the 220 TDs and Senators in the Oireachtas have a uniquely Irish .ie website. Among the new Government parties, 52% of Fianna Fáil representatives have a .ie website, 57% of Fine Gael, and 56% of the Greens.
