New semiconductor strategy ‘underscores the country’s growing importance’ in the global tech landscape, says Arm engineering lead.
Chip designer Arm has opened a new “state-of-the-art” facility in Galway supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the State’s investment promotion agency.
Since establishing its Irish presence in the county back in 2014, Arm has expanded its staff to 90 locally, while employing more than 4,800 across Europe. The UK company’s presence in Ireland is only limited to Galway.
The facility at Crown Square in Galway is set to become home to innovative advancements in semiconductor tech, the company said.
“The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation and advanced semiconductor technologies,” said Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke, TD.
“We recently launched Silicon Island, Ireland’s national semiconductor strategy which aims to have Ireland firmly at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, targeting emerging technologies, showcasing our manufacturing expertise, R&D capacity and enterprise supports which will generate high-quality, highly skilled employment opportunities across Ireland.”
Silicon Island was launched in May and lays down the Government’s plans to secure industrial investments from global chip giants.
Aside from securing private investment, Ireland plans to develop large-scale manufacturing sites, enhance R&D capacity and support businesses working in the semiconductor industry with commercialisation support and access to finance.
“Ireland’s new national semiconductor strategy underscores the country’s growing importance in the global technology landscape,” said Mike Lardner, the senior director of engineering at Arm.
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said, “A key player in the semiconductor industry, Arm is recognised for its capability in mobile and licensing of chip designs.
“This new Galway facility is part of Arm’s strategy to expand its market reach and talent pool in Ireland, supporting innovative work in semiconductor and technology development.”
The UK headquartered company is just one of many that have invested in Ireland recently. An IDA report earlier this month revealed that foreign direct investment in Ireland in the first half of 2025 grew by almost 40pc when compared to 2024.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.