Economy

IDA Ireland is ‘like Man City’ but can’t live off past glories - new chairman Feargal O’Rourke

Former PwC executive was appointed as chair of inward investment body in January

Feargal O’Rourke: “In sporting terms IDA Ireland is like Limerick in hurling or Shamrock Rovers or Manchester City in football.” Picture: Fergal Phillips

IDA Ireland cannot afford to “live off past glories” as it seeks to attract new investment into Ireland amid significant global economic challenges, the new chair of the agency will tell politicians on Wednesday.

Feargal O'Rourke will tell TDs and senators on the Oireachtas enterprise committee that while the agency’s pipeline of projects this year remains strong, geopolitical uncertainty continues to pose a risk.

Furthermore, he will say that not addressing challenges like infrastructure, housing, ...