EY’s Cork office is expanding as the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing capital access boost demand for professional services, according to managing partner Ronan Murray.
New Lapps Quay space signals long‑term commitment
The office on Lapps Quay, opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in February, now covers roughly 30,000 sq ft—about two‑thirds larger than before. The space is designed for “more collaborative, client‑focused ways of working,” Murray said, reflecting EY’s intention to stay aligned with Cork’s growth trajectory.
Today the Cork location employs about 420 staff, including 23 partners. It houses traditional services such as assurance, tax, consulting, strategy and transactions, as well as newer capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, managed services and sustainability.
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AI and technology become core to service offering
“AI is now embedded across our core service offerings, supported by initiatives such as EY.ai and dedicated AI capabilities,” Murray noted. Clients are seeking help with implementation, governance and regulation, indicating a shift toward technology‑driven projects.
Beyond AI, the firm highlights demand for automation, data analytics and technology upgrades. Murray added that “businesses are increasingly focused on investing in automation, data and technology to drive efficiency and scale, while also exploring new markets, particularly in the US and Europe.”
The firm’s expansion coincides with a broader regional trend. EY’s European Attractiveness Survey shows the south‑west of Ireland accounting for almost one in four foreign direct investment (FDI) projects slated for 2025. Overall, 41 percent of FDI projects now sit outside Dublin, pointing to a more balanced national growth model.
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From a practical standpoint, the expansion means local firms can now access a broader range of advisory services without traveling to Dublin or abroad. Smaller companies, especially those looking to digitise or expand internationally, gain a nearby partner for handling complex regulatory environments and technology adoption.
Mergers, acquisitions and entrepreneurial activity
Mergers and acquisitions remain a “important growth lever,” according to Murray, though activity is more selective. Recent deals such as BGF’s investment in Granite Digital and Ekco’s acquisition of DataLogiX Solutions illustrate a focus on recurring revenue models and capability‑led purchases, particularly in technology and cybersecurity.
The expansion of EY’s Cork office demonstrates a belief that the city’s diversified economic base—mixing multinational corporations with indigenous firms—will continue to attract investment and talent. The new Lapps Quay premises, together with ongoing infrastructure projects, position Cork as a regional hub capable of supporting increasingly complex client needs.
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