New IDA chief Lohan 'may have to focus on housing as much as tech jobs shakeout'

US tech giants have started to shed jobs but securing homes for workers will be just as significant a challenge for Ireland

The IDA has appointed Michael Lohan as its new CEO. UCC economist Seamus Coffey commented that the housing shortage may be as great a challenge as tech sector upheavals. Picture: Maxwells

The IDA has named Michael Lohan as its new boss at a time of upheaval for US tech giants, but the challenges he faces will likely be as much to do with the housing crisis as any short-term jobs pull-back, a leading expert has said.

An IDA veteran of 20 years, Mr Lohan takes on the top job from Martin Shanahan who stepped down last year.