merrion street

Finance Minister Michael Noonan, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President of the European Investment Bank, Werner Hoyer, and Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe at the launch of the European Investment Bank's new Ireland office in Dublin

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was joined by Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe to formally open the European Investment Bank's first permanent office in Ireland.

The Taoiseach and Ministers were joined by President of the European Investment Bank, Wener Hoyer and Vice President responsible for Ireland, Andrew McDowell. 

The office, which will strengthen links between Ireland and the EIB, will be located in Upper Mount Street Dublin and will be headed by Cormac Murphy. 

Speaking at the opening, the Taoiseach said:

“The European Investment Bank has helped to improve lives and expand economic opportunities across Ireland for more than 40 years. In recent challenging times President Hoyer’s personal focus has ensured that the EIB has been a true friend of Ireland supporting crucial new investment in education, innovation and key public infrastructure and helping small business."

Minister Noonan said:

“The permanent presence of the EIB on the ground in Ireland is a statement of confidence of the EIB in the future investment opportunities in the Irish economy and in the people of Ireland, will ensure more visibility for EIB’s product and advisory services and represents a strongly competitive alternative source of financing for many businesses and employers in Ireland. We are also hopeful that the new office will allow greater sharing of knowledge in both directions as to how best to finance for growth in Ireland and Europe’s economy.” 

Minister Donohoe said:

"Our strong economic performance has allowed us to continue to implement our Capital Plan and look forward to allocating increased resources to capital spending through next year’s Capital Review, to support investment in critical economic and social infrastructure. Our own efforts are now further complemented by this timely initiative by the EIB, which will no doubt enhance investment in Ireland, and in particular bring further momentum to the delivery of high quality infrastructure in Ireland over the coming years.”