However, the midlands had been performing well in the last few years.
Brexit, protectionism and taxation along with covid-19 are the biggest barriers to attracting foreign direct investment, according to the IDA.
A new report from the inward investment agency shows there's been a 6% decline in new finance coming from outside the state in the first six months of the year.
245,000 people are employed by multi-national companies across Ireland.
Midlands regional manager with the IDA Ken Whitelaw says the sector was performing well in the region before the pandemic hit:
Stronger E-Scooter Laws Needed - Carol Nolan
Offaly Blogger Shares Cost Saving Christmas Gift Tips
Midlands Hospital Apologises Over Westmeath Woman's Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
National Housing Order For Poultry Confirmed
Offaly Cathaoirleach Calls Out Sinn Fein Councillor Over Livestreaming Campaign
Gardai Arrest Man Over Hijacked Car In Midlands
IFA Calls For Poultry Housing Order As Bird Flu Cases Rise
Man And Woman Arrested After Public Order Incident In Offaly
Meals On Wheels Returns To Laois Town After Two Year Gap
Midlands Pride Festival Kicks Off Today
Gardai Praise Safety Organisation For Hard Work
Westmeath Councillor Calls For Compromise On Housing Development
Offaly Councillor Proposes Livestreamed Local Authority Meetings
Revenue Seize Over €570k In Contraband
Westmeath Volunteers Recognised At Water Safety Awards
Westmeath Hospital Among Top Earners Of Public Health Funds
Calls For Accountability Over State Covered Tax Errors
Government To Support Workers Affected By Fastway Receivership - Peter Burke
Major Oil Spill In Offaly
Growing Industry Driving Rise In Property Prices - Laois Auctioneer