Multinationals flock to Cork as economic upturn takes effect

The rise in large foreign companies choosing Cork as a base reflects the growing confidence in the region, writes Quinton O’Reilly

David Coallier, founder, Barricade. The Cork company was acquired by Sophos in 2016 Picture: Billy MacGill

The level of multinationals using Cork as their base for European operations is higher than ever. Since 2012, some 9,000 new jobs have been created by overseas companies with operations in the south-west.

“That [figure] comes from employment opportunities locally, but also attracting people from other parts of Ireland to Cork and attracting international talent into Cork as well,” said Ray O’Connor, IDA Ireland’s manager for the south-west region.

“If you look at ...