Cork is solidifying its position as a leading regional business hub, a growth trajectory that has driven a significant expansion of EY’s operations in the city. The firm’s Lapps Quay office now houses a team of 420 professionals, including 23 partners, after a two-thirds increase in footprint to roughly 30,000 square feet.
The office recently underwent a major expansion, officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in February. Ronan Murray, the managing partner, described the move as a milestone that supports the region’s continued development. “Clients are increasingly seeking more integrated, end-to-end support,” Murray said. “Designed to support more collaborative, client-focused ways of working, the new space reflects our long-term commitment to the region’s growth trajectory.”
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This physical expansion is backed by significant investment in human capital and technology. EY has embedded artificial intelligence across its core offerings, supported by initiatives like EY.ai, while also enhancing traditional services in assurance, tax, consulting, and financial services. Murray noted that while the global environment remains uncertain, opportunities exist for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in digitalization and international expansion.
Mergers and acquisitions activity in the area is robust, driven by quality earnings and clear value-creation strategies. Recent transactions, such as BGF’s investment in Granite Digital and Ekco’s acquisition of DataLogiX Solutions, highlight a demand for recurring revenue models in technology and cybersecurity. These deals, alongside strong representation from Cork-based finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme, point to a deepening entrepreneurial ecosystem and increasing access to capital.
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The resilience of Cork-based businesses is supported by a diverse economic base and a strong talent pipeline from institutions like University College Cork and Munster Technological University. According to EY’s recent European Attractiveness Survey, the south-west accounted for almost one in four Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in 2025, with 41 percent of such projects located in regional areas.
Murray believes there are clear opportunities for SMEs in Cork, particularly in digitalisation, international expansion and strategic transactions. “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,” he says. Mergers and acquisitions continue to be an important growth lever, he adds. Activity remains robust, albeit more selective, and is driven by strong fundamentals, quality earnings and clear value-creation strategies. “This is reflected in recent transactions, including BGF’s investment in Granite Digital and Ekco’s acquisition of DataLogiX Solutions,” Murray notes. “Such transactions highlight the demand for recurring revenue models and capability-led acquisitions, particularly in technology and cybersecurity.” In Murray’s view, Cork-based businesses continue to demonstrate strong resilience, supported by a diverse economic base and a balanced mix of multinational and indigenous companies. The region also benefits from a highly skilled workforce and a strong talent pipeline through leading institutions such as University College Cork and Munster Technological University. “A significant proportion of foreign direct investment [FDI] is now located outside Dublin, reinforcing Cork’s importance within Ireland’s national growth model,” Murray says. EY’s recent European Attractiveness Survey details strong performance across the south-west of the country, which accounted for almost one in four FDI projects in 2025. More broadly, 41 per cent of FDI projects are now located in regional locations, reflecting a more balanced national growth model and resilience in the area. “Cork’s position as a global hub for research and development continues to strengthen, driven by sustained multinational investment across life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing,” Murray says. “Increasingly, this investment is shifting towards higher-value, more advanced functions, reflecting the region’s growing capability and talent base.” A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and increasing access to capital are also contributing to Cork’s strong momentum, he adds. “This is reflected in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year programme, which continues to see strong representation from Cork-based businesses, highlighting the depth and diversity of the regional
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