IDA sees 'significant downside risks' to growth targets this decade

The IDA is likely to face much more pressure in attracting inward foreign investment in the next few years, with its chief executive saying "significant downside risks" will exist over its next five-year strategic cycle.

The agency is due to launch its strategy for the next five years, up to the end of 2024, during the first quarter of this year and chief executive Martin Shanahan said its next set of investment and job targets will face challenges from subdued global economic growth, international trade tensions, economic corrections in key source markets, rising protectionism, higher living and business costs, and a tighter labour market.