“FDI up almost 40pc” says IDA Ireland.
Record R&D spend and skills investment underline IDA clients’ long-term commitment to Ireland
IDA Ireland has reported a standout year for foreign direct investment in 2025, securing a record 323 investments, a 38 per cent increase on last year. The projects are expected to generate more than 15,000 jobs over the coming years, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a leading destination for global investment.
Of the total, 78 investments came from companies new to Ireland, including 38 from North America and 40 from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, 68 existing client companies announced expansion plans, and 80 projects were focused on research, development and innovation (RD&I). Employment across IDA client firms rose 1.5 per cent year-on-year to 312,400.
While Dublin continues to attract strong interest, 57 per cent (183) of investments were secured for locations outside the capital, highlighting the agency’s regional development impact.
IDA chair Feargal O’Rourke said the results demonstrate “the attractiveness and resilience of the Irish economy and workforce”, noting that 2025 delivered strong performance despite global economic uncertainty.
At the start of the year, IDA Ireland launched its new five-year strategy, targeting 1,000 investments and €250 billion in economic impact, with a focus on digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health and sustainability.
End-of-year figures show record RD&I commitments of €2.5 billion, as companies invest in product development and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Ireland continues to build on its strengths in semiconductors and life sciences, attracting major innovation-led projects.
Notable announcements in 2025 included Datavant’s global R&D centre in Galway creating 125 jobs, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s new Dublin R&D hub with 100 roles, PayPal’s AI R&D centre also creating 100 jobs, and Ericsson’s €200 million investment in Athlone to expand its RD&I capabilities.
Alongside technology investment, IDA clients committed €1 billion to 31 sustainability projects. Among them, Cook Medical in Limerick unveiled a €3 million programme in renewable and energy-saving technologies to offset half of its manufacturing emissions.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said these commitments show a “collective determination to remain at the forefront of technological and environmental progress”.
Capability Development
IDA also reported a major rise in workforce development, with client companies committing to upskill more than 33,000 employees this year — around three times last year’s figure. Training initiatives focus on scaling for growth, boosting competitiveness, building AI and digital skills, and strengthening leadership.
O’Rourke said the combined focus on RD&I and people development “sets Ireland up for continued future success”.
Supporting this view, research from Hays Ireland found that 76 per cent of employers are willing to hire candidates without all the required skills and invest in training due to ongoing shortages.
IDA chief executive Michael Lohan said the strong results reflect the early success of the agency’s 2025–2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently.
“Our strategy is focused on strengthening long-term investment, delivering sustainable growth, scaling innovation and ensuring regional impact,” he said. “Today’s performance shows we are off to an exceptional start, as we work to position IDA Ireland as the world’s leading investment promotion agency.”
Project News
