Why Ireland Keeps Winning Foreign Direct Investment

PUBLISHED: 11th September 2018

Did you know that over 10% of total employment in Ireland is through FDI companies?

Over a third of Ireland’s population is under 25, making it the youngest population in Europe, and according to the IMD World Competitive Yearbook 2018, Ireland is ranked number one worldwide for labour productivity and efficiency, and for the adaptability and flexibility of the workforce.  It is ranked fifth for both attracting and retaining talent, and for having a third level education system that meets the needs of the economy.

The young, educated workforce is not the only reason so many are employed by FDI companies.  The other attractions in Ireland include: 

1. a low corporate tax rate;
2. the English language;
3. its position as a gateway to Europe and the Eurozone; and
4. its accessibility.

These factors have made Ireland very popular for North American companies in particular, which account for more than 75% of Ireland’s FDI employment.

Top FDI Employers

The industry sectors that Ireland has been most successful in winning investments are the technology, life sciences, and finance industries. 

The top twenty FDI employers in Ireland reads like a who's who of international companies in these sectors.  These are Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, PayPal, SAP, IBM, Intel, Microsoft (including Linkedin), Dell, Hewlett Packard, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co, Stryker Instruments, Citi, and State Street.

European-based Companies

Even from within Europe, Ireland has won major investments.  Some of the European-based companies that have recently invested in Ireland include Deutsche Bank, Henkel, Sage, ABB, Travelport, Siemens, Aptiv, Valeo, Zalando, SmartFrog, Mota-Engil, Hovione, Grifols, Liebherr, SAP, Arm, Smartbox, Merck, SITA, Ericsson, Pilz, Novartis, and Sanofi.

The Irish Economy

But it is not just Ireland’s proven track record that keeps it winning new foreign investment. 

Ireland is the fastest growing economy in the Eurozone for the past four years (2014-2017) and Ireland has an ‘A’ grade from all major credit rating agencies.  In addition, Ireland’s recently announced National Development Plan will see capital public investment in Ireland move to among the highest in the EU, from €4.8 billion in 2017 to €7.8 billion in 2021. 

Establishing in Ireland

Getting established in Ireland is very straightforward – it is one of the most open economies in the world.  There are many agencies to assist foreign companies establishing in Ireland by providing advice, grants, and infrastructure and location finding.  IDA Ireland is one such agency, and should be one of the first points of contact for inward investors.  It reports that it has over 1,380 clients, who employ over 210,000 people throughout Ireland.

Strategy

As new FDI continues to choose Ireland, the Irish Government has announced Project Ireland 2040.  This consists of the new National Development Plan, and a new National Planning Framework as a strategic framework for the growth of cities and regional areas in Ireland.  One of the key goals of Project Ireland 2040 is to attract FDI through establishing grants and strategic serviced sites of scale with appropriate zoning and capacity.

If you are considering establishing in Ireland, LK Shields can assist you on local law matters, from formation and on-going compliance requirements, through investments, grant aid, commercial contracts, real estate, employment law, intellectual property, and data privacy matters.

For further information please contact Jennifer McGuire or James Byrne.