IDA chief executive Mr Sean Dorgan has warned the rate of inward investment in 2002 would be slower than in previous years.
Speaking at the BMW Regional Assembly in Roscommon today Mr Dorgan said: "We have to recognise that the performance in the years 1995-2000 was, by any standards, exceptional."
However he said: "Despite the global slowdown, employment growth continues in some companies and sectors and new job creation this year in IDA backed companies will be stronger than it was in any year up to 1995."
"We know that there are more jobs at risk than normal and that this will continue until there are clear signs of a sustained recovery in the US and globally."
"Because of this, it is very difficult to forecast at this stage what the effect of the current downturn may be on employment numbers over the next year," he said.
Mr Dorgan said: "The key world-leading companies with significant activities here have assured us of their immense confidence in the country, its positive business environment and the flexibility with which they can operate here.
"Ireland is very well positioned to ride out the current storms, provided we maintain the focus on development measures and ensure continuing competitiveness, especially on cost issues," he said.
He told delegates that attracting 50 per cent of all new jobs from inward investment to the BMW regions was still the IDA’s "absolute priority" in the period to 2003.
He said new job approvals in 2000 had been in line with this target, and this would be repeated in the current year.