Manufacturing & Supply Chain

In the latest edition of the fDi Intelligence’s flagship rankings ‘European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024’, Ireland reaffirms its strong standing as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Backed by the Financial Times, fDi Intelligence analyses 500 cities and regions and groups them by population size into five categories: major, large, mid-size, small and micro. The judges then benchmark the locations on their attractiveness to FDI according to five subcategories: economic potential, business friendliness, connectivity, human capital and lifestyle, and cost effectiveness.

The Mid-West Region of Ireland was awarded the top position in the ‘FDI Strategy’ category in the ‘Small European Regions of the Future’ ranking, demonstrating the region’s strategic approach to investment and economic development. Cork was recognised for its ‘Economic Potential’ and ‘Business Friendless’, in the ‘Small European Cities of the Future’ ranking, coming in second and third respectively. In addition, Dublin came third in the overall category for fDi Intelligence’s ‘Major European City of the Future 2024’ ranking, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation, sustainable growth and collaboration.

The full list of Ireland’s rankings is as follows.

Mid-West Region of Ireland has ranked in the following categories:

• fDi’s Small European Regions of the Future 2024 – FDI Strategy (Ranked 1st)

Cork has ranked in the following categories:

• fDi’s Small European Cities of the Future 2024 – Economic Potential (Ranked 2nd)
• fDi’s Small European Cities of the Future 2024 – Business Friendliness (Ranked 3rd)

Dublin has ranked in the following categories:

• fDi’s Major European Cities of the Future 2024 – Overall (Ranked 3rd) 
• fDi’s Major European Cities of the Future 2024 – Economic Potential (Ranked 2nd)

West of Ireland has ranked in the following categories:

• fDi’s Small European Regions of the Future 2024 – FDI Strategy (Ranked 2nd) 

“We’re delighted with our continued success in fDi Intelligence’s rankings. These results not only showcase  Ireland’s leadership position in attracting foreign direct investment and our commitment to creating a compelling business location, but they also demonstrate that international companies continue to trust in and value Ireland as a location of investment,” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. “These rankings, across multiple regions, underscore the global appeal and competitiveness of our offering. Looking ahead, we will continue to work to attract new investment while at the same time supporting our existing investor base as they face the challenges of an uncertain and  volatile macroeconomic environment.”

For more detailed insights into the fDi Intelligence European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024 rankings, please visit the full report here.