The State’s foreign direct investment agency is committed to attracting 100 new investments into the West of Ireland by 2029 – despite the Trump tariff and other storm clouds on the horizon.

IDA Ireland has confirmed it plans to achieve 20 client investments in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon every year for five years.

This represents 10% of its overall national target of 1,000 new client investments in this country between 2005-2029.

IDA Ireland released the information in reply to a Parliamentary Question submitted by Galway West TD Mairéad Farell (SF) last week as trade war negotiations between Europe and America were ongoing.

The IDA earlier this month declined to disclose the level of FDI in the West up to the end of June, following its mid-year review, and it also did not provide that information to Deputy Farrell. It did give statistics for the period 2021-2024, which showed outcomes in the West far exceeded its targets.

The IDA had predicted that there would be 76 investments by foreign client companies in the West over the four years to 2024, but the actual number turned out to be 91 – a 20% better performance than it had predicted.

Last year, IDA Ireland had 130 client companies in the West – including major US multinationals in Galway – and they employed a combined total of 31,334 workers.

Deputy Farrell welcomed the growth targets set out by the IDA Ireland, but she said it needed to do more for the regions, including the West.

“I’m glad to see that 59% of IDA supported FDI investments were outside Dublin. That is a trend I would like to not merely continue, but to grow,” said the Mervue TD.

“I would still like to see a lot more done for the wider Galway regional area. Our infrastructure continues to be a barrier to enterprise in my view, and the view of many others.

“The Government have indicated that they will be prioritising infrastructure in the forthcoming budget. But the proof is in the pudding.

“The people of the West of Ireland have heard this stuff before only to be left disappointed.

“Let’s see what October brings,” added Deputy Farrell.

Pictured: Question…Deputy Mairéad Farrell.