March 12, 2026 — Cork, Republic of Ireland UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that Irish companies announce £937 million investment in the UK, creating 850 jobs across South Wales, Scotland, London, and Doncaster. The major economic deal, unveiled ahead of the second UK-Ireland Summit, highlights strengthening UK-Ireland ties post-Brexit and focuses on sectors like manufacturing, tech, and energy.
Fifteen Irish companies are committing the £937 million, supported by Enterprise Ireland, to create approximately 850 jobs across the specified regions. The announcement came during a business roundtable hosted by Starmer and Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The UK’s close friendship with Ireland is going from strength to strength and I am pleased that we are going further in working together on growth, energy, security and more. This new Irish investment coming into the UK is one part of a much bigger picture of our flourishing cultural, commercial and security ties.
— UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Investments and Job Creation
Irish companies announce £937 million investment in the UK, creating 850 jobs across South Wales, Scotland, London, and Doncaster. Specific investments include £170 million from Gas Networks Ireland for decarbonisation projects in Scotland, £45 million from Amach for AI and cloud-computing in aviation creating 150 jobs, £3 million from Focus Capital Partners, and over £1 million from Cork-based Ayrton Group to expand its London team.
In Doncaster, Johnston Fitout Group plans new offices and a showroom with an initial £3 million investment, as reported locally.
Other firms include Teybridge Capital, Slick+, Kwayga, YourTeam, Noledge Group, Galetech, O’Flynn Group, Step Telecoms, Elkstone, Centrica plc, and Version 1, spanning AI services, renewables, telecoms, and more.
Broader Summit Outcomes
The summit addressed energy interconnectors, including one between Wales and Ireland powering 570,000 homes with £740 million private investment, and another between Northern Ireland and Ireland to cut costs. Security pacts cover maritime cooperation and subsea cable resilience.
Irish companies announce £937 million investment in the UK, creating 850 jobs across South Wales, Scotland, London, and Doncaster, underscoring data that 64% of Irish firms have a UK presence, with 60% increasing investments.
Taoiseach Martin described the bilateral relationship as “very strong” and growing.
Regional and Social Media Echo
Local outlets highlighted benefits, such as Doncaster jobs. On X, BBC News shared the story with over 31,000 views, while Doncaster Free Press promoted regional impacts and diplomat Daniel Mulhall noted the figures.
Irish companies announce £937 million investment in the UK, creating 850 jobs across South Wales, Scotland, London, and Doncaster, signaling post-Brexit economic momentum.