Irish Midlands rises in Financial Times 'region of the future' rankings
Ireland's Midlands region has again been recognised as a ‘European Region of the Future’ by business newspaper The Financial Times, which has ranked it second among small regions across the continent for foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy.
It also named Athlone as one of the top 10 'Micro European Cities of the Future' under the categories of 'Economic Potential' and 'Human Capital and Lifestyle'.
Each year the Financial Times publishes its latest fDi Intelligence rankings on FDI strategy across Europe.
The Midlands region climbed six places in the rankings this year in order to be placed second in the Small European Regions category for FDI strategy.
Athlone, meanwhile, was ranked seventh among the 'Micro European Cities of the Future' for 'Economic Potential', with Zug in Switzerland topping that list, followed by Galway, Limerick, and Monaco.
Athlone was ranked ninth among micro European cities under the category of 'Human Capital and Lifestyle', with Limerick coming out on top under this heading.
A statement on behalf of the Government's Midlands Ireland regional brand said the recognition from The Financial Times "highlights the region's exceptional performance in attracting foreign direct investment and its ambitious roadmap for continued economic growth, as outlined in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan".
The Midlands Ireland brand said enterprise in the region was "thriving" and that this was a result of "the collective efforts of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, which brings together key stakeholders from Enterprise, Government, Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Regional Skills Forum and the regions’ Education and Training Boards."
The prestigious ranking for the region has also been welcomed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Westmeath's Peter Burke, who said: "I am delighted that the Midlands has been recognised by the Financial Times as a ‘European Region of the Future’ for 2025.
"This dynamic region, located in the heart of Ireland, presents incredible opportunities for inward investment, economic expansion, and business growth.
"I want to commend all stakeholders involved in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, especially chair Dr. Anne Cusack and Programme Manager Sarah Morgan, whose dedication and vision have contributed to this achievement.”
Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, emphasised the significance of this recognition, saying it reflected "the commitment and collaboration driving economic growth" in the Midlands counties.
"As Ireland’s most connected region, we continue to capitalise on opportunities for sustainable development, digital innovation, and placemaking,” she said.
Midlands Ireland said that, in terms of foreign direct investment in the region, there are 52 IDA Ireland client companies located in the Midlands, employing over 8,000 people, with a steady increase in employment of 35% over the past six years and annual exports totalling €2.7 billion.
The pool of IDA Ireland client companies in the region spans such sectors as technology, medtech, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and business services.