Skip to main content

Ireland recognised in fDi Intelligence's European Cities and Regions of the Future rankings for 2024

Ireland recognised in fDi Intelligence's European Cities and Regions of the Future rankings for 2024

Ireland’s Mid-West Region awarded top position in ‘FDI Strategy’, Cork places second in ‘Economic Potential’ and Dublin comes in third in the overall category for ‘Major European City of the Future’

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.

You Might Also Be Interested In

  • 3 minute read
  • Published 11/07/2025

ChemPoint Establishes EMEA Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland to Fuel Regional Growth

ChemPoint LLC ("ChemPoint"), a subsidiary of Univar Solutions LLC, a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced the launch of ChemPoint Ireland Ltd ("ChemPoint Ireland").

Read more
  • 3 minute read
  • Published 08/07/2025

Revenue AI Leader Gong Scales Irish Operations and AI Capabilities Due to Accelerated EMEA Customer Demand

Gong, the leading revenue AI company, today announced a major expansion of its Dublin-headquartered EMEA operations to support its rapidly growing customer base—now over 750 strong across key markets, including Ireland, the UK, Germany, France, Nordics, Benelux and Spain

Read more
  • 3 minute read
  • Published 07/07/2025

Plenary establishes office in Ireland

Leading independent long-term investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure Plenary Group has expanded its European footprint, opening an office in Dublin.

Read more