Andrew McIntyre
Head of Corporate / M&A at William Fry
Delivering the Next Generation of Investment
Ireland’s appeal as a destination for foreign direct investment lies in its stability, talent, and adaptability. It is a trusted gateway for U.S. companies seeking international expansion into Europe and beyond, evidenced by more than 970 U.S. firms employing over 245,000 people directly in Ireland and supporting another 169,000 jobs indirectly. In turn, Irish businesses benefit from supply-chain partnerships that enable global market diversification and innovation. This dynamic ecosystem fosters competitiveness, knowledge exchange, and high-value job creation.
Looking ahead, the investment landscape is evolving rapidly. Sustainability, digitalisation and technological innovation are no longer optional – they are essential. Investors are prioritising projects that deliver long-term value. At the same time, fintech and regtech solutions are reshaping financial services, creating opportunities for efficiency and transparency in cross-border transactions.
These priorities are reflected in recent IDA Ireland figures, which show that the pipeline for U.S. investment remains robust, accounting for 60 – 65% of new projects in sectors such as technology, life sciences, fintech and emerging technologies. Over 50 of these investments are from new entrants, underlining Ireland’s continuing attractiveness as a destination for next-generation investment.
However, sustaining this momentum requires continued focus and investment. Ireland must build on its core strengths - talent, infrastructure, and innovation - to support future growth. The government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure, reflected in the updated National Development Plan (€275 billion by 2035, with €100 billion allocated for 2026-2030), is a strong indicator that these priorities are being taken seriously. Major upgrades are planned for housing, energy, water, and transport, including grid modernisation for renewables, expanded housing supply, improved water infrastructure, and enhanced digital public services. Significant investments in national roads, sustainable travel, and defence further underscore Ireland’s determination to create the conditions for long-term competitiveness. Maintaining a strong pipeline of skilled graduates, alongside policy stability and regulatory clarity, will remain key differentiators as global tax reforms evolve.
Ireland’s ability to innovate, whether through financial technology, regulatory adaptability, or collaborative partnerships, will define its competitiveness in the years ahead. By embracing change and setting ambitious standards, Ireland is not just keeping pace with global trends; it is helping to shape the future of international investment.
William Fry takes a solutions‑led and commercially focused approach to supporting investment in Ireland. As a full-service law firm, our expertise spans Corporate / M&A, Banking & Finance, Asset Management & Investment Funds, Tax, Litigation & Investigations, Technology, Real Estate, Insurance, Projects & Construction and Employment & Benefits. This breadth of expertise allows us to advise clients across every stage of next-generation investment, from structuring and financing strategic deals to navigating regulatory developments. By combining our deep sector expertise, we help clients shape future investment in Ireland and beyond.
