By Róise Collins
CONSTRUCTION is moving forward at the new IDA Business and Technology Park, bringing fresh hope for economic growth and job creation in Donegal even as uncertainty swirls around international trade and US tariffs.
The site in Carnamuggah Lower, which is being developed by IDA Ireland, is part of a wider strategy to bring high-value investment and employment opportunities to the North West.
Despite global headwinds, including newly proposed US tariffs that could strain transatlantic trade, the IDA says the project reflects a strong commitment to regional development.
“Ireland and the US enjoy a significant and mutually beneficial economic relationship with last year marking 100 years of diplomatic and economic relations between our two countries,” an IDA spokesperson told the Donegal News.
IDA Ireland partners with more than 1,800 FDI client companies, 766 of which are US companies that directly employ over 210,000 people and indirectly support an additional 166,000 jobs.
“Conversely, Ireland is the 6th largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with investment by Irish companies in 2023 worth $351 billion. More than 200,000 people are employed by 770 Irish companies across all 50 States,” the spokesperson explained.
“Ireland’s view on tariffs is clear – they are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains. Tariffs drive inflation, negatively impacting consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Increased protectionism is in nobody’s interest.”
The spokesperson welcomed the recent US decision to suspend reciprocal tariffs for 90 days as the EU and Irish government continue working toward negotiated solutions that benefit both sides.
They also stressed that international companies need international markets to grow their business and to continuously innovate, to access a diverse talent pool and innovative ecosystem.
“They get all of this in Ireland,” they added.
Amidst recent uncertainty, the IDA team in Donegal have assured us that they will continue to engage actively with clients to support their competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, talent development, and innovation agendas.
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