Rory Mullen
Head of Biopharma & Food, IDA Ireland
With access to the EU’s single market and a favourable time zone bridging operations between the US and Asia, Ireland offers an unparalleled base for global supply chains and regulatory alignment. Ireland’s EU membership simplifies cross-border trade and logistics, positioning it as a launchpad for innovation, clinical trials and product development.
Talent pool and NIBRT
A key strength of Ireland’s life sciences sector lies in its world-class talent pipeline. The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) plays a central role in this ecosystem, delivering industry-aligned training to thousands of professionals annually. This ensures a steady supply of highly skilled graduates and specialists equipped to support advanced manufacturing, biopharmaceutical development and R&D.
Ireland also benefits from one of the youngest, most educated workforces in Europe. Strong links between academia and industry, coupled with government support, have fostered a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
Ireland’s reputation for regulatory
excellence is a key attraction
for global life sciences firms.
Regulatory excellence
Ireland’s reputation for regulatory excellence is a key attraction for global life sciences firms. The country maintains a robust, transparent and internationally aligned framework, supported by the proactive engagement of the HPRA. Ireland has an exemplary compliance record with leading global regulators, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). There are 50 FDA-approved manufacturing plants located across the country — an impressive endorsement of Ireland’s regulatory standards and operational quality.
Economic impact and investment
Such investments have propelled Ireland to become the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical exporter, generating over €80 billion in exports annually. Recent announcements by GE Healthcare, Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb underline continued confidence in Ireland as a life sciences hub. These developments bring not only high-value employment but also enhanced national capabilities in biologics, vaccines and personalised medicine.
With nine of the world’s top 10 life sciences companies operating nationwide, Ireland continues to attract investment and talent — solidifying its position as a global centre of excellence for life sciences.
