In a landmark move to cement Ireland’s position as a global hub for high-tech industry and innovation, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has announced a historic €4.7 billion capital investment plan. Spanning 2026 to 2030, the sectoral roadmap serves as a cornerstone of the National Development Plan (NDP), earmarking unprecedented funds to scale indigenous firms and secure the next generation of foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We cannot compete for tomorrow’s opportunities with yesterday’s offering,” Minister Burke stated during the launch on January 7, 2026. “This €4.7 billion commitment is about creating the advanced infrastructure that global enterprises demand.”
The Investment Pillars: Where the Money Goes
The five-year plan distributes the multi-billion euro fund across five strategic priorities, balancing local business growth with international competitiveness.
| Strategic Priority | Allocation | Key Focus Areas |
| Enterprise Innovation | €1.33 Billion | AI, Disruptive Tech (DTIF), and European Space Agency (ESA) programs. |
| Attracting Inward Investment | €1.29 Billion | IDA Ireland regional property and next-gen manufacturing sites. |
| Indigenous Growth | €1.12 Billion | SME scaling, seed and venture capital, and local enterprise hubs. |
| Tourism Development | €400 Million | Global marketing and new product development infrastructure. |
| Decarbonisation | €300 Million | Supporting industry transition to low-carbon operations. |
Securing “Next-Gen” Global Projects
A significant portion of the funding—€1.29 billion—is dedicated to ensuring Ireland remains the destination of choice for multinational giants.
- Advanced Manufacturing: The IDA will receive €500 million for regional property solutions and €100 million to develop “Next Generation FDI sites.” These locations are specifically designed to attract large-scale semiconductor and biopharma projects.
- Frontier Tech: Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD highlighted that investments in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation will position Ireland as a world leader in advanced manufacturing and space technologies.
Scaling the “Homegrown” Hero
The plan also seeks to address the “scaling gap” for Irish-owned businesses. A new €100 million Scaling Fund for SMEs, managed through Enterprise Ireland, will work alongside a €250 million Seed and Venture Capital Programme. The goal is to provide the financial runway for high-growth Irish firms to expand globally while remaining headquartered at home.
Regional Prosperity and Green Transition
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD emphasized that regional development is the “heart of this plan.” By funding regional enterprise hubs and advanced manufacturing centers under the Smart Regions Scheme, the government intends to ensure economic prosperity is not confined to the capital.
Furthermore, the €300 million decarbonisation fund directly aligns with the Climate Action Plan. This investment will provide grants and technical support to help carbon-intensive industries reduce emissions, ensuring that Ireland’s economic growth remains sustainable in a net-zero future.
Tourism: Targeting One Million More Visitors
The tourism sector is set for a €400 million boost, intended to deliver the “New Era for Irish Tourism” policy. With €77 million earmarked for overseas marketing and €200 million for product development, the department aim is to attract an additional one million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
Minister Peter Burke TD Wikidata Picture by Margot Murphy (Massachusetts Governor’s Press Office)
