Limerick Council celebrates prestigious wins at fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future Awards

LIMERICK City and County Council has announced outstanding achievements for Limerick at the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 awards. The awards benchmark European cities and regions according to their economic, financial, and business strengths.

For a third year running, Limerick ranked first for FDI Strategy in European City of the Future ranking of micro cities — those with an immediate population below 100,000. 

The fDi Intelligence report notes:

“With historical expertise in engineering and medical device manufacturing, the city has a highly skilled workforce and, unsurprisingly, many US companies choose Limerick as a destination for their foreign investment. Limerick impressed the judges with its FDI strategy on nurturing and growing a local technology ecosystem, focusing on medtech, film tech and fintech.” 

The win underscores Limerick's proactive approach to attracting and supporting foreign direct investment, ensuring sustainable economic growth.

For the first time, Limerick also ranked first for Human Capital and Lifestyle in the micro cities category, highlighting its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through excellent education, healthcare, and cultural amenities.

Limerick ranked second overall in fDi's Micro European Cities of the Future 2025 and was also recognised for Economic Potential and Business Friendliness showcasing its excellence in various aspects of urban development and investment attractiveness. The Swiss town of Zug held on to the overall top spot again this year.

Limerick secured top ranking positions in the following categories in fDi's Micro European Cities of the Future 2025: Overall: 2nd, FDI Strategy: 1st - Winner, Human Capital and Lifestyle: 1st - Winner, Economic Potential: 3rd and Business Friendliness: 3rd.

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Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:

“These prestigious awards provide a ringing endorsement of the policies that have seen 72 IDA client multinationals establish a presence in Limerick, employing over 16,000 people. Most recently expressed in Limerick’s Mayoral Programme 2024 – 2029, the Council’s strategy includes support for foreign investment and a commitment to ‘enhancing the overall business environment.’ There is also a particular focus on priorities like ‘Improved Quality of Life’ and ‘More Sustainable and Affordable Housing’ that will involve all in Limerick working in close collaboration, especially working in close partnership with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, our Universities and industry partners.”

Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney added:

"Limerick's consistent performance at the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future awards is a testament to our resilience and forward-thinking approach. This year, it is particularly pleasing to be ranked 1st in the Human Capital and Lifestyle category for the first time, reflecting our collective commitment to creating a thriving environment for all residents across the city and county. We welcome this recognition and remain dedicated to maintaining Limerick's reputation as a top destination for investment and quality living."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly says the awards are the result of a collaborative environment in Limerick:

“These accolades reflect Limerick's commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and economically dynamic environment. They are a testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved in making Limerick a leading destination for investment and quality living. We are committed to building on this success and continuing to create opportunities for our community."

Limerick City and County Council extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and residents who have contributed to these remarkable accomplishments. The Council remains dedicated to driving innovation, economic development, and enhancing the overall well-being of the city and its people.

The fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future awards are hosted by fDi magazine, an international news and foreign direct investment magazine published by fDi Intelligence, a specialist division from The Financial Times Ltd.