Google Ireland Ltd, the Dublin-based company responsible for Google’s sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, recorded pretax profit of €24.3 million last year, according to accounts released yesterday. Turnover was €12.5 billion, a €2.4 billion increase on the previous year.

After tax, including foreign withholding tax of €12.3 million, the company recorded a profit of €2.2 million, an increase on the €1.7 million recorded the previous year.

Google Ireland Ltd is owned by Google Ireland Holdings, an unlimited company that does not publish its accounts. During the year, it bought three office buildings on Barrow Street, Dublin, for €226.9 million, according to the accounts. This will give it space to grow, said John Herlihy, the head of Google in Ireland.

He also said in a statement that last year was a period of sustained growth in its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as the company continued to reap the rewards of growth in the digital economy.

Employment at Google Ireland Ltd grew to an average 1,916, from 1,513 the previous year. As of September, there were more than 2,500 employees.

“The official opening last week of our new Data Centre, one of the most technologically advanced in our global operations, represents an additional investment of €75 million and further enhances Ireland’s footprint within our global organisation,” he said.