Waterford ranks in the Top 10 in four categories of Micro European Cities of the Future Index
Waterford City features in the Top Ten listing in four categories on the fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024. #
The city ranked fourth in the Overall Micro European City of the Future and features in the Top Ten in the categories of Economic Potential, Business Friendliness and FDI Strategy, while the South East region ranked in the Top 5 for FDI Strategy for the fourth year in a row.
The 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.
The awards benchmark European cities and regions according to their economic, financial, and business strengths.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway welcomed the findings, saying, “Waterford has built up a head of steam in gaining national and international attention of late and the findings from the fDi Index reinforce our success.
“Recognition as a city that is attractive to do business in, has great economic potential and a robust FDI strategy is testament to the work of the Local Authority, the local business community, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.
“The collaborative approach by these agencies has copper fastened Waterford as an attractive and viable place to live, work and invest in.”
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford and indeed the southeast region have performed stronger than ever, being placed in four categories.
“In a year that saw commencement of site works at the North Quays, this transformative project will harness and extend Waterford’s city centre. In tandem with this there was also a €24 million investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, the opening of the greenway city link, the opening of the newly refurbished Mount Congreve House and Gardens and €700,000 invested in the Town & Village Renewal scheme.
“Waterford’s main pillars of investment aimed at expanding infrastructure as well as enhancing connectivity, tourism, and local cultural offering are creating a truly holistic environment that is proving attractive to investors.”
By 2040, Waterford is to experience a 25% rise in regional population and Waterford City Region Total Gross Value Added (GVA) is expected to grow from €37 billion in 2022 to €66 billion by 2040, a 185% increase.
GVA per capita has increased by 80% since the year 2017, making Waterford City the fastest growing city region in Ireland and ranks among the fastest growing regions in the EU in terms of both GDP and GVA per capita.
As one of the fastest growing regions in the fastest growing economy in Europe, the competitive business environment and thriving sectoral ecosystems make the South East an ideal location for businesses to start, grow and thrive.
Ireland South East Development Office (ISEDO) is committed to working with the regional Local Authorities, and public and private stakeholders to make the southeast the premier choice for business investment and economic potential.
Patsy Carney, Chair of the Ireland South East Development Office and the Regional Enterprise Plan said, "FDI announcements over the past two years show that our client companies are doubling down on the success that they enjoy in Ireland South East.
“Transformational employment trends mean that our value propositions of having Ireland’s best co-working facilities, pleasant weather, and excellent outdoor amenities are now to the fore. Our collaborative approach in creating the ideal economic environment for our investors to grow within ensures that we are the Irish and European region of the future with the most potential to scale over the next five to ten years.”
