2nd April 2026
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has received government endorsement of the strategic approach to developing Next Generation Sites (NGS) and updated his Cabinet colleagues on the key Programme for Government commitment.
Next Generation Sites represents a major step forward in Ireland’s industrial strategy, designed to ensure our country remains competitive in attracting the next wave of large-scale, high-value manufacturing investments.
Next Generation Sites development is being led by IDA Ireland with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in collaboration with relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and utility providers in the preparation and development of each site. Delivery of the programme will require a whole-of-Government approach and the process is underway.
Welcoming the Government Decision, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment said:
“Developing Next Generation Sites is essential for Ireland to remain competitive in attracting large-scale, high-value manufacturing such as major semiconductor and life sciences investments and to position Ireland to be competitive in winning high-value, employment-rich projects in future-focused sectors.
“It is anticipated that there will be 3 NGS developed over the next 15 years, in the West, East and South of the country. These sites will be in the range of 500 – 1,000 acres each. The NGS approach will be “plan-led” – thereby streamlining development and reducing planning risks for new FDI. It will see the development of pre-permitted, utility-intensive sites, enabling efficient development and certainty for investors.
“NGS are critical infrastructure projects aimed at providing certainty for investors wanting to establish a sizeable operation in Ireland - crucial in today’s fast moving international environment. By preparing these sites in advance, we reduce risk and accelerate decision-making for investors thereby enhancing Ireland’s FDI Value Proposition.
“The sectors targeted by NGS – semiconductors, lifesciences and green energy, in particular - provide quality and skilled employment, pay high salaries, and contribute to Ireland’s tax receipts. FDI investments in such sectors have proved “sticky” in the past with many global companies in the semiconductor and lifescience sectors located and expanded in Ireland over several decades and employing tens of thousands in well-paid jobs - with several now operating across multiple sites.”
Minister Burke continued:
“We will not win future FDI of scale on yesterday’s terms. We need a new vision. NGS will signal Ireland’s determination and ambition to compete for the next wave of international investment. To this end, I am pleased that Government has endorsed the approach to developing Next Generation Sites so that the various Departments, agencies and utilities companies will collaborate with IDA Ireland over the coming period to deliver three sites strategically located across the country, with the associated planning, utilities and infrastructure developed in a whole-of-government, strategic manner.”
Notes for editors
- Next Generation Sites are essential to ensure Ireland remains competitive in attracting the next wave of large-scale, high-value manufacturing investment opportunities in sectors such as semiconductors, life sciences, and renewables represent a major step forward in Ireland’s industrial strategy.
- The objective of Next Generation Sites is to provide pre-permitted, master-planned land banks with clear pathways to delivery of required utilities and transport, including public transport, thereby enabling swift development and certainty for investors.
- Preparing these sites in advance, would reduce risk and accelerate decision making for investors, which is crucial to compete for large scale investments in today’s fast moving international environment.
- Each site will be chosen by IDA Ireland for its ability to connect efficiently to energy, transport, and water networks, and for its proximity to talent, third-level institutions, and supply chains. Potential locations will not be publicly disclosed to protect the integrity of negotiations and future acquisitions.
- The Next Generation Sites strategy provides an opportunity to embed sustainability at the outset of development by harnessing renewable energy sources to attract and sustain FDI investments. A strategic approach to co-locating renewable energy supply with demand can incentivise these energy-intensive sectors.
- Development of Next Generation Sites will require a whole-of-Government approach, led by IDA, working with local authorities, utility providers, transport agencies, and a range of Government Departments and regulators.
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