Richard Martin
Managing Partner of Ronan Daly Jermyn Solicitors
Business Services / Ireland
“Foreign direct investment employs over 150,000 people in Ireland”
The Irish legal profession has seen a rapid expansion over the past decade. One of Ireland’s larger commercial law firms, Ronan Daly Jermyn, has expanded significantly in recent times and, with offices in three major centres (Cork, Dublin and Galway), is strategically well placed to serve what has been a key driver of the Irish economy — the FDI sector. Managing Partner Richard Martin explained.
What is the importance of FDI into Ireland?
Foreign direct investment employs over 150,000 people in Ireland, with international financial services employing nearly 40,000. These are significant numbers in an economy the size of Ireland. There is no doubt that Dublin is the leading economic centre, and of course we have an office there. However, a substantial amount of FDI activity takes place in the south and west of the country. For example, Dell EMC, Intel, Solar Winds and Apple are all centred in Cork. Galway and the west of the country has a large cluster of medical technology multinationals and research centres. Ronan Daly Jermyn has its headquarters in Cork and along with a large office in Galway, is well positioned to meet the needs of clients located or looking to locate in these regions.
Will US companies will continue investing in Ireland despite geopolitical challenges?
The recent US elections and Brexit outcome certainly bring with them a whole new set of economic uncertainties. However, I expect that US companies will continue to invest in Ireland. The country offers a highly skilled workforce, quality workspace, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, access to European markets and a great quality of life. Moreover, the common theme that we hear from all of the US companies with which our firm works is that Ireland is a very easy place from which, and in which, to do business.
