IDA Ireland's spend on land holdings for FDI sites more than doubles to €32.87m in 2025

Nine purchases included two sites in Cork, totalling 2.21 hectares in size

The €32.87m spend concerns nine purchases for ’Strategic FDI Development’

IDA Ireland last year more than doubled its spend on purchasing land holdings for planned industrial sites as it looked to safeguard Ireland as a leading global destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

In figures provided in response to a freedom of information request, IDA Ireland confirmed it last year spent €32.87m on land holdings, and the outlay is a 135%, or €18.92m, increase on the €13.95m paid for land in 2024.

The figures show the €32.87m spend concerns nine purchases for ’Strategic FDI Development’ and the largest purchase in terms of hectares was made in Co Meath, with the purchase of 48 hectares (119 acres).

The nine purchases for 2025 compare to five in 2024 and all of the IDA properties purchases in 2025 occurred in Leinster, apart from two sites in Cork, totalling 2.21 hectares in size.

The property purchases last year took place in Meath (48 hectares), Offaly (26 hectares), Kildare (13.7 hectares), Meath (8.32 hectares), Laois (3.81 hectares), Dublin (2.1 hectares), Cork (1.99 hectares), Westmeath (1.7 hectares) and Cork (0.22 hectares).

Commenting on the sharp increase in the value of property purchases in 2025, an IDA spokeswoman said: “The increased spend during 2025 is an indication of IDA Ireland’s continued commitment to supporting Ireland’s economic development, enhancing our ability to attract and facilitate new business opportunities.

“It reflects the strong levels of inward investment by companies supported by IDA Ireland, along with their need for viable locations to establish their operations. It also demonstrates our focus on maintaining an appropriate stock of property solutions tailored to client needs.” 

She said, where appropriate, planning applications were submitted for sites to ensure they were ready for future investment.

“Typically, such applications concentrate on enabling infrastructure and facilitating business expansion so that when opportunities arise, we are prepared to move quickly. This approach helps us remain agile and responsive to investor requirements and plays a vital role in sustaining economic growth across regions.”