Strong year for IDA but fall in numbers employed in Midlands

The number of people employed in IDA Ireland-supported companies in the midlands fell by over 5% during 2025.

It was the worst performance of any of the eight IDA regions.

The negative trend was in contrast to the national picture which showed employment levels rise by 1.5% in IDA-client firms last year.

The Midlands and Mid-East were the only two of the country’s eight IDA regions to show a fall in those employed.

In actual job terms, the numbers employed in the midlands fell by 420, from 7,921 in 2004 to 7,501 in 2025, a 5.3% reduction.

Nationally, there were 312,468 employed in IDA-supported firms in 2025, which represents about around 11% of total national employment. Employment outside Dublin rose to 169,967, with regional locations now representing 54% of total client employment.

Overall performance in 2025 was strong, with IDA Ireland securing 323 investments including 78 new names and associated future job creation of 15,319.

Notably, 57% of all investments (183) were won for regional locations – a strong outcome that IDA Ireland said underlined the depth and competitiveness of the regional proposition.

In its annual report, the IDA said: “2025 marked the first year of IDA Ireland’s 2025- 2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently. Against a backdrop of heightened trade uncertainty, IDA recorded a strong performance, supporting new investment and the transformation of our existing client base.

“Beyond employment, the wider economic contribution of multinationals continues to be felt across the country through increased spend on Irish services, materials and payroll. In this context, the 2025 results are strong evidence of the resilience of IDA client companies, and Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a stable location in which to invest and grow."

IDA Ireland also published a mid-year 2026 update, which showed 190 investments, with a commitment to create 10,410 jobs across the economy.

This includes 54 first time investors, 39 expansions from existing companies, 57 RD&I investments, 31 talent development projects, and 9 green capital investments. Regional activity remains strong, with 98 regional projects representing 52% of total investments won in the first half of the year.

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “Ireland’s continued success in attracting world-class investment is built on a strong and stable enterprise platform, one built over decades and which we do not take for granted.

“Government is committed to ensuring the right enabling conditions are in place to keep Ireland competitive, including investment in infrastructure, energy, housing, skills and innovation."

Feargal O’Rourke, Chair of IDA Ireland said: “We are now 18 months into our “Adapt Intelligently” 5-year strategy and these very positive results, allied to last year’s record performance, signal that our plan is fit for purpose in what is an increasingly turbulent world.

“We have a clear strategic focus on supporting regional development, delivering sustainable investment and deepening the economic impact of FDI right around the country.”