From Political Symbolism to Economic Powerhouse

While the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often highlight the historical and cultural ties between Ireland and the United States – a connection frequently invoked by politicians referencing Irish ancestry and historical solidarity – the economic relationship extends far beyond symbolism. Ireland currently ranks as the fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the U.S., with the top 10 Irish companies collectively employing over 125,000 American workers, according to Enterprise Ireland.

“This substantial investment demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the U.S. market and the significant growth opportunities available,” explains Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland. Recent years have witnessed a particularly strong focus on the U.S. data center boom, leveraging decades of established relationships with major American tech firms that operate their European hubs from Ireland. The country’s experience in hosting and managing data centers – including navigating the complexities of energy grid impact – has proven invaluable. However, Ireland itself is facing growing domestic opposition to further data center construction due to resource concerns.

“Irish companies have spent the last 20 to 30 years honing their expertise in this area, becoming leaders in data center builds across Ireland and Europe,” Melia adds. Now, they are turning their attention to the United States, bringing both capital and a highly skilled workforce to support the infrastructure, tools, and materials needed to fuel the burgeoning data center industry, a growth largely driven by the rapid investment in artificial intelligence.

Supply and Demand: The Engine of Growth

“It’s fundamentally a matter of supply and demand,” says David Maher, Senior Vice President at Limerick-based H&MV Engineering. “And right now, the opportunities are exceptional.” H&MV specializes in building the infrastructure that connects energy-intensive facilities like data centers with utilities and renewable energy sources, such as solar power sites. The company’s revenue has surpassed $1 billion annually, and in January, it announced the acquisition of Amarillo, Texas-based Cooke Power Services.

Maher anticipates continued demand for H&MV’s expertise beyond the initial data center boom, as utilities increasingly deploy renewable energy sources and battery storage technologies. This outlook is shared by other Irish companies expanding into the U.S., who emphasize the ongoing need to upgrade existing data centers to accommodate new technologies and improve efficiency.

“This isn’t a short-term trend; it’s just the beginning,” states Orla Good, Commercial Director at Portwest, a leading manufacturer of protective workwear based in Westport, Ireland. “Once the initial capacity is built, retrofitting older data centers to bring them up to the latest technological standards will be a significant undertaking.”

Portwest operates a distribution center in Kentucky, managing logistics for innovative safety gear, including lightweight arc-protection wear designed to protect workers from electrical hazards while minimizing heat stress. The company invested $4.4 million in the 71,000-square-foot facility and plans to open a second site in Nevada this year, projecting a doubling of its U.S. workforce to over 200 within the next two years.

A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration

Portwest’s success, and that of other Irish firms, isn’t accidental, according to Good. “Ireland has a strong history of adapting to new ways of working, fostering creative problem-solving, and prioritizing STEM education,” she explains. This educational foundation, combined with a collaborative spirit, makes Irish companies ideal partners for American businesses.

“We love to find a problem and then solve it,” says Enterprise Ireland’s Melia. “And that approach resonates well with the proactive mindset we see in the United States.”

Other Irish companies are contributing to the data center ecosystem in diverse ways. Future Cast, an Irish construction innovation center (Future Cast), notes the significant volume of retrofitting work ahead. CEL Critical Power is investing over $40 million in a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Williamsburg, Virginia, scheduled for completion in 2025. Kingspan has expanded its operations in multiple states, with further expansions planned for 2026, currently employing approximately 2,700 people across 17 states.

Ireland’s Midland Steel has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Nucor, the largest U.S. steel producer, to license its FasterFix rebar technology, promising faster build times and improved waste recycling. Evercam (Evercam), specializing in construction site monitoring using cameras and drones, is also expanding its North American presence, leveraging its global experience to share best practices and drive innovation.

“The advantage of operating globally is the ability to share knowledge across different markets,” says Nick Leysath, Managing Director of Evercam. “This includes adapting data protection policies and conducting U.S.-based R&D informed by partnerships with robotics and AI startups.”

The strong workplace ties and cultural connections between Ireland and the United States, particularly evident during St. Patrick’s Day, facilitate seamless collaboration, according to Melia. “It’s a perfect blend of heritage and business culture,” she concludes.

What long-term impacts will this influx of Irish investment have on the U.S. tech sector? And how will these collaborations shape the future of data center infrastructure and sustainability?

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Investment in the US