Employers' group IBEC has warned the limp US dollar is jeopardising the growth of the Irish economy.
The employers' group said the persistently weak dollar will have a negative impact on trade, and on Ireland's prospects of attracting future investment from US multinationals.
Director of IBEC's trade unit Pat Ivory said: "Everyone involved in business needs to focus on keeping costs down."
Mr Ivory said if we fail to remain competitive, we will lose benefits we have enjoyed in recent years from economic growth.