#BlueEconomy - The Irish Times writes that the "blue economy", Ireland's maritime sector is performing on average better than the general economy according to a report published by the Socio- Economic Marine Research Unit based at NUI Galway.

Indicators show that Ireland's maritime economy grew by 9 per cent between 2010 to 2012, while growth in Irish GDP during the same period was only 4.75 per cent.

In the period 2012 to 2014, the maritime economy continued to outperform the national economy, with growth rates of 8 per cent. Employment has also increased, from 17,425 to 18,480 full-time equivalents.

The report provides trends across 13 marine sectors from 2010-2012 and also provides estimates for 2014. It says the direct economic value of Ireland's ocean economy is €1.4 billion, or approximately 0.8 per cent of GDP. The sector had a turnover of €4.5 billion last year.

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