Ireland's IDA secures 179 new businesses in the initial half of 2025
Ireland's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has shown a significant surge in the first half of 2025, with a total of 179 investments secured by IDA Ireland. This represents a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The increased FDI is expected to lead to the creation of just over 10,000 jobs, a 12% increase compared to the first half of 2024. The majority of these investments, 91, were made in regions outside of Dublin, indicating a continued focus on balanced regional development.
Michael Lohan, the CEO of IDA Ireland, has attributed this positive performance to Ireland's "resilience in the face of continuing global economic uncertainty." He also emphasised that Ireland offers "stability and clarity and certainty" to global companies.
The Government is also focusing on a competitive action plan across July to ensure Ireland's value proposition remains strong. Minister Burke described the IDA's mid-year results as a "very strong performance." However, he acknowledged that getting a resolution to the talks on tariffs is crucial for decision-makers across the economy in securing investments.
The data released does not take into account job losses at multinationals during the period, and the IDA expects a softening in job creation over the coming months. Despite this, site visits by foreign companies remain 14% stronger year on year compared to the same period in 2024.
The key trends and factors contributing to this increase in FDI include substantial investment in critical areas such as R&D, digitalisation, sustainability, and talent development. IDA Ireland's strategic focus on innovation and sectoral growth drivers, such as Digitalisation & AI, Semiconductors, Sustainability, and Health, has also played a significant role.
Ireland's growing population and a cloud-based permit system facilitate labour supply, supporting sectors like healthcare and tech. The growth in permits and investment outside Dublin, notably in Cork and Galway, reduces geographic risk and spreads economic benefits.
Strong sectoral performance, with technology giants expanding AI and cloud operations, healthcare-related investments, and the burgeoning biotech corridor, have all significantly contributed to FDI inflows.
Mr. Lohan also mentioned substantial investment in critical areas such as R&D, digitalization, sustainability, and talent development. He emphasised that large multinationals require global supply chains and will continue to invest in them.
The delivery of infrastructure, including housing, energy, the grid, water, and transport, is critical for Ireland's competitiveness. IDA Ireland actively engages with clients and government channels to manage the impact of new tariff regimes, ensuring Ireland remains competitive for FDI.
In summary, the combination of Ireland’s targeted investment strategy aligned with global innovation trends, a resilient talent pool supported by efficient immigration policies, proactive engagement with trade changes, and diversification across sectors and regions are the key factors driving the positive FDI performance in the first half of 2025.
Investing in critical areas such as R&D, digitalization, sustainability, and talent development are significant factors contributing to Ireland's increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as highlighted by Michael Lohan, the CEO of IDA Ireland. This surge in FDI, with 179 investments secured during the first half of 2025, has also led to the creation of over 10,000 jobs in various sectors, exuding Ireland's prowess in attracting business and financing opportunities.
