Life sciences

Ireland is firmly established as a global leader in life sciences and pharmaceuticals and is currently the third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals in the world, with annual exports exceeding €116 billion.

The sector is also a major employer, with 45,000 people working in IDA client companies across life sciences. Ireland’s 50 FDA-approved pharmaceutical and biopharma plants highlight the country’s exemplary regulatory compliance record with both the FDA and EMA, supported by Ireland’s own Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

What companies have invested in Ireland?

  • Ireland hosts operations for nine of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies, including industry leaders such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly
  • The country is home to 18 of the top 25 global medical device companies
  • Dublin is home to a growing diagnostics sector, with leading enterprises such as Trinity Biotech driving innovation in areas including in vitro diagnostics and respiratory monitoring.

Why businesses in the life sciences sector choose Dublin

While Dublin’s colourful culture and competitive tax incentives are draws for global enterprises, professional services firms are increasingly attracted by additional strategic advantages.

  • A skilled workforce of highly educated and dynamic STEM talent is readily available
  • Ireland is internationally recognised for its strong track record in regulatory compliance, particularly with global authorities such as the FDA and EMA.
  • Dublin also stands out for its culture of collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions.
  • The city is home to a rich medtech startup ecosystem
  • The state strategically invests in clinical and academic research through leading institutions such as the SSPC and the NIBRT
  • These are just some of the aspects which draw investment in Dublin from the life sciences sector. Recent investments have been made by international companies such as Pfizer, Takeda and Medtronic.

Large businesses in this sector

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