Skip to main content

Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Success Recognised by fDi Intelligence’s inaugural Investment Impact Awards (IIA)  
Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Success Recognised by Investment Impact Awards (IIA)

Ireland has reaffirmed its position as a leading global destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), with IDA Ireland receiving prominent recognition at the 2026 fDi Intelligence inaugural Investment Impact Awards (IIA).  The awards highlighted Ireland’s continued economic progress, driven by innovation, skilled talent, and strong international partnerships.

For more than seventy-five years, IDA Ireland has attracted world class companies across technology, life sciences, financial services, and engineering. Today, over 1,800 global firms operate in Ireland, supported by a skilled workforce, a stable regulatory environment, and a business-friendly ecosystem that continues to draw sustained investment.

Welcoming the announcement Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said “The results of these awards are a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of our valued clients and reflect IDA Ireland’s strategic and proactive approach to investment promotion. The investments recognised include Dexcom in Co Galway, Astellas in Co Kerry, and Analog Devices in Limerick all of which contribute significantly to the creation of high-value jobs, regional development, and the enhancement of Ireland’s reputation in innovation-led sectors.

“IDA Ireland remains committed to its mission to be the world’s leading investment promotion agency. Our  new strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, focuses on strengthening long-term investment, scaling innovation, and delivering sustainable regional impact such as that embodied by the projects acknowledged by today’s awards.”

A notable achievement for Ireland is Analog Devices’ participation in the European Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on microelectronics and communication technologies—the country’s first direct involvement in such a project. This milestone positions Ireland and our FDI client base, as a significant contributor to Europe’s technological and industrial future.

Ireland’s recent FDI performance has been underpinned by its focus on innovation and talent development. The country has emerged as a hub for AI research, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing. Partnerships between industry, universities, and research institutions are helping to equip Ireland’s workforce with skills for emerging sectors, reinforcing Ireland’s leadership in Europe’s industrial transformation.

Ireland’s upcoming European Presidency later this year presents an opportunity to further strengthen its international standing. The Presidency is expected to deepen collaboration with European partners, streamline investment frameworks, and highlight Ireland’s commitment to an open, competitive, and digitally driven economy.

Recent IDA Ireland 2025 results show continued growth in both the number and scale of investment projects. Ireland, as a proven and stable location with a future focused skills base, strong education system, and ongoing investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity remain key drivers of its competitiveness.

The companies were ranked as follows - 
ANNOUNCED MEGA PROJECTS SHORTLIST - Analog Devices in Limerick (Ranked 3rd)
ANNOUNCED MID-SIZED PROJECTS SHORTLIST - Dexcom new facility in Galway (Ranked 1st)
ANNOUNCED MID-SIZED PROJECTS SHORTLIST - Astellas Pharma in Kerry (Ranked 7th)

Speaking of the impact awards  - 

Vincent Roche ADI CEO and Chair said “Since 1976, Ireland has been a critical innovation center for ADI, thanks to its strong academic and research organizations, business ecosystem, and progressive government leadership.  This next-generation semiconductor manufacturing facility and expanded R&D team will further extend ADI Limerick’s global influence. Through organic R&D and close collaboration with our customers and ecosystem partners, we are striving to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges and enable a more efficient, safer, and sustainable future.”

Adrian Furey, VP Global Supply Chain, Dexcom said “This greenfield project commenced with our announcement on May 5, 2023.  The project involved the transformation of an 80 acre from agricultural use to a world class medical device campus which will commence production in 2026.  It is fair to say the project has been hugely impactful to the local region when you consider the overall 300m investment, the design and construction phase being completed in under two years and the community engagement mission we embarked on having secured the naming rights to Dexcom Stadium, the home of Connacht Rugby has been very impactful for the region.”

Owen Moore, Head of Astellas Tralee said - “Being recognised by fDi Intelligence as one of Europe’s top mid sized investment projects is a testament to the innovation, purpose and technical excellence that drives the Astellas Tralee site. This achievement reflects not only our commitment to advanced manufacturing and delivering better outcomes for patients, but also the strong partnership we have built with IDA Ireland. Their continued support has enabled us to expand our capabilities, create high value jobs and strengthen the impact of our investment in the region.”
Read fDi Intelligence’s full report here 

You Might Also Be Interested In

  • 5 minute read
  • Published 27/05/2026

Rippling Opens New Dublin Office and Announces 150 New Irish Jobs 

Rippling scales its Dublin base to 300-plus as demand for AI-native workforce intelligence grows across EMEA. 

Read more
  • 5 minute read
  • Published 26/05/2026

Qashio to establish European Headquarters in Dublin, creating 50 jobs

Read more
  • 4 minute read
  • Published 25/05/2026

Cara Partners announce €6m, three-year upskilling programme at Cork facility

Programme will support 130 employees at Little Island site, strengthening operational excellence, leadership capability and sustainability skills

Read more