Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of IDA Ireland’s Annual Report for 2024 and its new strategy Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–2029, with a particular focus on the strong regional performance and ambitious plans for the West and other areas outside Dublin.

“In 2024, 59% of IDA investments went to regional locations — a clear signal of the strength of Ireland’s regional value proposition,” said Minister Canney. “This is critical for areas like the West, where we continue to prioritise economic development and opportunities closer to home for people and communities.”

The report confirms that regional employment reached an all-time high of 165,484 jobs, representing 55% of IDA client employment nationally. The West of Ireland saw a small positive increase of +0.15% in employment, despite wider global challenges.

Looking ahead, the IDA’s new five-year strategy sets high-level targets to attract 1,000 investments and create 75,000 jobs, with over half of those investments — 550 — specifically allocated to the regions, upskilling 40,000 people and delivering €7bn in new Research, Development and Innovation projects. The strategy also includes a strong emphasis on supporting green and digital transformation through innovation and sustainability.

“These are ambitious, but vital, goals,” Minister Canney said. “Attracting investment into our regions not only boosts local economies — it also ensures long-term resilience, skills development and growth throughout the country. The West is well-placed to benefit from this next wave of investment.”

The Minister also welcomed the IDA’s continued commitment to strengthening infrastructure and delivering new capacity, especially in areas such as housing, energy, water, grid and transport, which are essential enablers for future regional growth.

“Through the Programme for Government and our work across departments, we remain focused on unlocking the potential of every part of the country — including the West — to secure sustainable, high-quality jobs and innovative investment,” he concluded.