With direct access to the M1 economic corridor linking Dublin and Belfast, the region offers unparalleled connectivity. Dundalk and Drogheda are within 70 minutes of both capital cities and their international airports, while a population catchment of over 2.7 million people lies within a 90-minute drive, making it a rich source of talent and skills for businesses that are expanding in the region or setting up there for the first time.
The Northeast is home to 55 IDA Ireland client companies spanning life sciences, engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing. From the region’s traditional manufacturing strengths, to cutting-edge biotech, its business environment is underpinned by innovation, adaptability, and collaboration.The Northeast is well connected via road and rail, and continues to benefit from strategic infrastructure development, including advanced building solutions in Dundalk, a proposed new IDA Advanced Technology Building under construction in Drogheda, and significant landbanks primed for development.
Broad range of inward investment projects
WuXi Biologics has established a significant presence in Ireland with its state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility located in Dundalk, County Louth. This site represents the company’s first manufacturing investment outside of China and underscores its commitment to global expansion and innovation in biologics production.Originally developed by WuXi Vaccines, the 15,500sq m site is now MSD’s eighth location in Ireland and is set to create 150 new roles, expanding on the 200 professionals already employed.Dundalk continues to solidify its status as a strategic hub for global biopharma investment, highlighted by MSD’s recent acquisition of a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in the town for over €500 million.
This major investment forms part of MSD’s broader commitment to Ireland, where the company has invested more than €3 billion in recent years. Dundalk’s advanced infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and strategic location on the Dublin–Belfast corridor were key factors in securing this high-impact investment.
The region also hosts PCI Pharma Services (PCI), which has a facility for packaging highly potent products in Drogheda and recently added a new site to its portfolio in Dundalk. In addition, Almac provides commercial drug product services from its Dundalk campus.
Fintech sector strengthens in the region
Another key advantage is the Northeast’s role in The Fintech Corridor, which spans two jurisdictions and fosters cross-border collaboration. Companies like IFS State Street and Vesta Payment Solutions are anchor tenants, creating a critical mass of innovation.Another up-and-coming sector in the region is technology. The Japanese business Pentagon Technologies Group is planning a new precision parts cleaning facility in Dundalk, creating 100 jobs by 2028. It’s a manufacturing specialist serving the semiconductor industry and it joins Ultra Clean Technology, which landed into Cavan 2022 and built a 57,000 sq ft advanced technology cleaning centre serving chip makers and equipment providers including Intel and other Europe-based companies. This project is a strong example of engagement between local manufacturers and contractors in Cavan, together with a positive attitude of staff to make the venture a success.
Cavan also has a new IDA Ireland advanced manufacturing space under construction, which is already generating interest. We have already invested heavily to acquire strategic land banks in the region for future investment, adding advanced building solutions in Dundalk, with another proposed for Drogheda. Sites like these offer a ready-built space for multinationals to occupy, which increases the speed of setting up in a location.
Experienced service providers to meet multinationals’ needs
Multinationals don’t exist in isolation, and the Northeast is especially well placed to meet their needs with many service providers that have gained extensive experience in serving these large corporations. The entrepreneurial mindset is particularly strong in Cavan and Monaghan, where many indigenous companies set up with a focus on manufacturing and related activities.The region today has a strong base of Irish-headquartered businesses founded by local entrepreneurs, including successful exporters like the global forklift maker Combilift of Monaghan, and the Cavan companies Kingspan which produces insulated panels, and Breffni Air, a manufacturer of specialist ventilation ducting for the mechanical engineering sector.
The recent acquisition of Kyte Powertech by the Swiss company R&S Group is a further indicator of the region’s growing international stature. The Cavan-based company employs 490 people and serves the renewable and industrial power markets.Many of these companies gained a valuable foothold by serving the portfolio of multinationals, not just in the region but across Ireland, building life sciences facilities or data centres. Now they have successfully translated this expertise into markets across the world.
A warm welcome from key local supports
Another key element of the welcome that companies can expect when they establish in the Northeast is a collaborative support system. Local authorities in Cavan, Louth and Monaghan have proven to be strong partners in terms of future-proofing the region, working with us, ensuring land availability and infrastructure delivery. They have been strong supporters of inward investment into the region.Lastly, the Northeast also boasts excellent quality of life, which has led to many professionals choosing the ‘reverse commute’, relocating from other parts of Ireland – and abroad – to work and live in the region.
The combination of a strong foundation of multinationals, excellent local service providers, quality infrastructure and supportive local partners and stakeholders, makes the Northeast an excellent choice for inward investment.