Breda O’Sullivan
Head of Corporate Strategy, Planning and Strategic Policy, IDA Ireland
Over many years, Ireland has solidified its reputation as a nexus for global investment and innovation.
A new strategy by IDA Ireland, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation’ seeks to build on the nation’s success to ensure that Ireland remains a leading location for smart, sustainable manufacturing and intelligent, digitised services. The strategy aims to secure 1,000 new investments, create 75,000 new jobs and deliver €250 billion to the Irish economy by 2029.
Regional investment across Ireland
Of the 1,000 new investments, we will target 55% to locations outside of Dublin. By prioritising regional development, Ireland is fostering an inclusive and balanced economy, offering opportunities nationwide and ensuring the benefits of foreign direct investment (FDI) are felt across the country.
At the core of our strategy is our partnership with 1,800 clients who employ over 300,000 across every Irish region. In supporting our clients to increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations through investment in innovation, digitalisation and sustainability, we aim to realise opportunities to safeguard and strengthen long-term investment in Ireland. Action in these areas can be transformational, providing the foundation on which businesses can thrive.
The strategy identifies four key
growth drivers: digitalisation and
AI, semiconductors, health and sustainability.
Growth in skills and sustainability
We have set ambitious targets to help clients scale their research, development and innovation (RD&I) investments by €7 billion over the next five years, to upskill 45,000 people and reduce carbon emissions by 35%.
The strategy identifies four key growth drivers: digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health and sustainability. These areas will create intersecting opportunities across core sectors such as life sciences, international financial services, high-value manufacturing, engineering and technology, as well as content and consumer services.
Enabling conditions for FDI
Delivering on our ambitions will also require the right conditions. Cost competitiveness, a streamlined planning system, robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce are key to sustaining this success.
IDA Ireland’s new strategy, endorsed by the Government of Ireland, underscores Ireland’s unwavering commitment to FDI and acknowledges its positive impact on Irish society. Amid global challenges such as heightened competition and geopolitical uncertainties, we will maintain Ireland’s position as a global destination for investment and, by concentrating on areas within our control, we will build on our successes to ensure continued FDI growth in the future.
