Midlands sees highest growth in FDI sector jobs in 2021

The Midlands experienced the highest growth in employment in IDA supported firms during 2021.

Employment in foreign direct investment firms in the midlands rose by 9.6% during 2021, the highest of the eight regions.

Nationally, the numbers directly employed in multinational sector in Ireland rose by 6.5%

The growth in the midlands even surpassed that of Dublin, which recorded an 8.6% increase.

In the Midlands, there are now 6,868 people employed in the multinational sector, compared to 6,265 at the of 2020.

By actual volume, the midlands has the smallest level of employment of the eight regions.

The IDA itself described the year as record breaking.

Total employment in IDA client companies in Ireland now stands at 275,384, up 16,826 on 2020 Some 104 of the 249 investments won in 2021 were new name investments, a better than anticipated new name performance considering the ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic.

Job losses remained at a relatively modest level relative to the size of the overall portfolio.

Growth in regions was particularly buoyant with 133 projects of the 249 investments won going to regional locations and employment growth recorded in every region of the country.

An Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar said: “These results are quite remarkable. In another year that was unfortunately mired by the pandemic, we saw the highest FDI employment creation figures we’ve ever had in a single year. There are now more people employed in our multinational sector than ever before.

“I think this demonstrates the strength of our economy and the fortitude of our people. Despite immense challenges, we continue to maintain our reputation as an excellent place to invest. This is a testament to the talent of our workforce and our overall offering as a country.

“The success of our multinational sector has allowed us sustain other areas of our economy that are struggling. FDI is central to our economic policy and it will continue to be a crucial part of our plan to rebuild after Covid.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland said: “These 2021 results were achieved in an immensely challenging and volatile international environment. Ireland’s performance in attracting FDI to achieve these record results is testament to the work of the Agency’s teams in Ireland and around the world, to the success of the client companies that we partner with on a daily basis and to the support of Government.

He said if further steps are taken to improve Ireland’s attractiveness as a place to live and do business, “the remarkable growth, resilience, and innovation exhibited by IDA’s client base over 2021 – and for much of the last 10+ years – provide an immensely valuable and nationally important platform for the future.”

There are now close to 1,700 multinational operations supported by IDA in Ireland accounting directly for 11% of the Irish workforce.

During the year, Zoetis Inc, the world's leading animal health company announced plans to expand its manufacturing and development facility, creating up to 100 new jobs, in Tullamore.