Foreign Investment in Ireland Up 37% in First Half of 2025

Ireland saw a substantial rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first six months of 2025, with new data from IDA Ireland showing a 37% increase in investment projects compared to the same period in 2024. Between January and June, 179 investments were secured, up from 131 last year, highlighting Ireland’s continued appeal to multinational companies despite global economic uncertainties.

Over 10,000 New Jobs Expected

The investments are expected to lead to the creation of just over 10,000 jobs, a 12% increase from the 8,900 positions generated in the first half of 2024. While these job creation figures are significant, IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan noted that net job figures, including losses, are not assessed until the end of the year.

“We won’t see the same level of job creation for the second half of the year,” Lohan said, adding that this trend is consistent with previous years. “The first half tends to be the strongest half in terms of investment numbers.”

Strong Regional Focus

Balanced regional development remains a priority. 91 of the 179 investments, or 51%, were made in regions outside of Dublin, showing a strong commitment to nationwide economic growth. Of the total, 52 projects (30%) came from companies investing in Ireland for the first time.

Investment Types

• 41 were expansions from existing IDA client companies

• 43 involved research and development (R&D)

• 34 were in green capital and sustainability

These figures demonstrate Ireland’s increasing emphasis on future-focused sectors such as innovation, digitalisation, and environmental sustainability.

Site Visits and Global Uncertainty

Despite ongoing uncertainty in global trade, supply chains, and tariff negotiations, site visits to Ireland from potential investors increased 14% year-on-year. Lohan highlighted that while there are concerns about global trade, multinational companies are continuing to invest in supply chains to serve global markets.

He also reinforced Ireland’s reputation as a stable, pro-enterprise, and predictable business environment with a strong talent pool and innovation ecosystem. “Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a trusted partner and a proven investment location speaks to our many strengths,” he said.

Government Support and Challenges

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke welcomed the mid-year results, calling them a “very strong performance,” though he acknowledged that geopolitical uncertainty remains a challenge. He stressed the need for a resolution on global tariff talks, as well as continued government investment in housing, energy, water, the grid, and transport infrastructure—all of which are critical to Ireland’s competitiveness.

He also pointed to the upcoming competitive action plan in July and the review of the National Development Plan as key measures to maintain Ireland’s appeal to global investors.

Conclusion

Ireland’s FDI performance in the first half of 2025 has been notably strong, with a 37% year-on-year rise in investments and over 10,000 new jobs promised. The growth spans a range of sectors, including R&D and sustainability, and extends far beyond Dublin—demonstrating the country’s resilience and continued appeal amid a complex global backdrop. While challenges remain, Ireland’s strategic focus on talent, innovation, and infrastructure continues to attract leading international companies.

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