Irish Midlands named by Financial Times as a 'European Region of the Future'

The Midlands of Ireland has been recognised as a 'European Region of the Future' by business newspaper the Financial Times.

It also named Athlone as one of the top 10 'Micro European Cities of the Future' under the category of 'Human Capital and Lifestyle'.

These distinctions for the Midlands and Athlone were contained in the Financial Times' latest fDi Intelligence ranking on FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Strategy.

The Midlands was ranked eighth among the top 10 'Small European Regions of the Future' for FDI Strategy, with the Mid-West, West, and South East regions of Ireland also featuring in the top 10.

Athlone, meanwhile, was ranked eighth among the top 10 'Micro European Cities of the Future' for 'Human Capital and Lifestyle'.

Galway, Limerick, Sligo and Dundalk also made the top 10 in this category, along with Konstanz (Germany), Lugano (Switzerland), Zug (Switzerland), Hasselt (Belgium) and Genk (Belgium).

A statement on behalf of the Government's Midlands Ireland regional brand said the recognition from the Financial Times "reflects the region's outstanding achievements and potential for future growth".

Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, said: "Being listed as one of the European Small Regions of the Future is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan.

"The Midlands is Ireland's most connected region, and we are maximising opportunities for economic growth through our three strategic objectives focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, and placemaking."

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary added that he was "delighted" the Midlands had been categorised as a region of the future.

"The Midlands is a dynamic region in the heart of Ireland with exciting prospects for inward investment, economic development, and business expansion," he said.

The latest IDA Ireland annual report found that the Midlands was the fastest-growing region for FDI job growth in 2023, with a 5.8% year-on-year growth at IDA client companies.

Recent investment announcements in the region have included an €85m investment by Danish pharma multinational Novo Nordisk to purchase its first Irish manufacturing and development facility in Athlone.

Center Parcs is also investing strongly in the region, with a €100m expansion of its Longford Forest operation in Ballymahon expected to create 200 additional jobs.

Biopharmaceutical company Zoetis has also invested €133m in its Tullamore facility, creating up to 100 additional jobs.