While a positive, that is still the third lowest in Ireland.
The IDA is warning 2021 will be a difficult year to attract foreign investment to Ireland because of the pandemic.
Employment as a result of IDA projects in the midlands increased by 1.8% in 2020, the third lowest rate in the country.
The agency, which attracts foreign companies to locate here, said it created almost 9,000 jobs here last year, when losses were also taken into account.
That compares to over 13,900 in 2019.
CEO Martin Shanahan says foreign direct investment is declining worldwide:
The IDA is targeting 25 new investments in the midlands over the next three years.
The aim is set out in its draft strategy for recovery and sustainable growth, which contains plans for new buildings in Athlone and Mullingar during that time.
It's also secured planning permission from Offaly County Council for an advanced technology centre in Tullamore.
Minister of State, Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Peter Burke says the strategy is a significant one for the region:

Offaly F2 Star Supports Local GAA Club’s Gym Fundraiser
Offaly TD Raises Concerns Over Lack Of School Places Ahead Of New Academic Year
SIPTU Set For Talks Over Westmeath Job Losses On Tuesday
Latest Property Report Confirms Continued Midlands House Price Increases
Laois Secondary School To See Progress On New Building After Years Of Delays
Pedestrian Killed In Laois Crash
Westmeath Man Jailed For Eight Years Over Assaults, Death Threats And Intimate Image Sharing
Midlands Heritage Sites Set For €350k In UNESCO Funding
24 Hour Garda Station Needed For Portarlington - Willie Aird
Laois Senator Backs Call for Supervised Detox Beds
Laois And Offaly Schools Make School Building Plan
Midlands Councillors Working On Urban Plan To Support Westmeath Town
Calls for HSE To Establish Safety Protocols For Out Of Hour Services
Revenue Seizes Over €230k In Midlands, Dublin And Rosslare
Athlone Town Defender Completes First Garda Training Phase
Midlands Mother Issues Warning After Daughter Suffers Anaphylaxis On Flight
IFA Refuses Meeting With Bord Bia Chair Following Brazilian Beef Controversy
Laois Senator Calls For Supervised Detox Beds At Midlands Hospital
Westmeath Principal Backs Call For ‘Roots of Empathy’ Funding