Last year, Riverdeep failed to make the Deloitte & Touche list of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies; 12 months on, it has topped the list. The publicly listed educational software group left the rest in its wake with aggregate revenue growth of more than 14,000 per cent. Its nearest rival, Conduit, retained its second ranking with growth of more than 950 per cent.

Announcing the winners, Mr David O'Flanagan of Deloitte & Touche said: "The past 18 months have been a rigorous test for the technology sector. However, these companies exemplify the phenomenal growth and diversity in the Irish technology sector, with average turnover growth of more than 500 per cent in a three-year period."

Mr Tony Mulderry, Riverdeep executive vice-president, accepted the award, which he said recognised a young Irish company with innovative ideas and a sound commercial base.

The awards are open to Irish-owned technology companies in existence for a minimum of three years.

Full rankings available on www.ireland.com/technology