Galway site designed to attract chip giants
The IDA has been steadily acquiring nearby private land to expand the overall footprint.
The government is preparing to transfer land currently owned by the Defence Forces in Oranmore to the IDA as part of plans to develop a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing facility, according to reports.
Under its “Silicon Island” strategy, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has allocated €100 million to acquire and prepare fully serviced sites aimed at attracting major global chipmakers such as TSMC, Samsung, and Nvidia. These sites are intended to support advanced manufacturing with robust infrastructure, including high-capacity electricity, water supply, fibre optic connectivity, and access to renewable energy sources.
The first proposed location is a former Defence Forces firing range in Oranmore, Galway. This site had previously been considered for an Intel fabrication plant in 2021, though that project was ultimately established in Germany. While the Defence Forces still formally own the land, negotiations are reportedly close to completion for its transfer to the IDA. As both parties are state bodies, it is possible the deal may not involve a direct financial transaction, with alternative land potentially provided to the Defence Forces instead.
In addition to this site, the IDA has been steadily acquiring nearby private land to expand the overall footprint. Since the mid-2000s, the agency has held a 67-acre site along the R381 outside Oranmore, where some infrastructure—such as roads, lighting, limited parking, and two artificial lakes—has already been put in place. However, much of the land remains undeveloped.
Since early 2023, the IDA has purchased over 104 additional acres through several agreements with local landowners. Among these acquisitions are two larger parcels measuring 55.2 acres and 40.4 acres, alongside smaller plots ranging from less than one acre to nearly four acres.
The developments follow recent government approval of a broader strategy to establish next-generation industrial sites across Ireland. Burke emphasized that such sites are vital for maintaining the country’s competitiveness in attracting high-value manufacturing investments, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and life sciences.
He outlined plans for three major sites to be developed over the next 15 years—located in the west, east, and south—each spanning between 500 and 1,000 acres. These projects will be “plan-led,” meaning they will be pre-approved and equipped with necessary utilities, helping to reduce planning risks and accelerate timelines for foreign direct investment.
According to Burke, preparing these sites in advance will provide greater certainty for investors and strengthen Ireland’s appeal in a fast-moving global market. While semiconductors are a primary focus, the sites are also expected to support industries such as life sciences and green energy.
He added that foreign investment in these sectors has historically proven resilient, with many multinational companies maintaining long-term operations in Ireland, employing large workforces, and expanding across multiple locations.
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