EIB and Ireland Deepen Partnership on Investment Priorities

Government representatives and EIB officials examined ways to combine the Bank’s financial resources with its technical expertise to help deliver major investments across the country.

Ireland and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have reaffirmed their growing partnership, with both sides outlining plans to expand cooperation across housing, transport, innovation, education, agriculture and business development.

The discussions took place during a meeting of the EIB Ireland Financing Group in Dublin, where Government ministers met with an EIB delegation led by Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. Chaired by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, the gathering reviewed recent investment achievements and explored new opportunities to accelerate projects that support economic growth and public services. Government representatives and EIB officials examined ways to combine the Bank's financial resources with its technical expertise to help deliver major investments across the country.

EIB Financing Continues at Strong Pace

The meeting highlighted the EIB Group's significant role in supporting Irish investment over recent years. In 2025 alone, the Bank and the European Investment Fund provided more than €900 million in financing for projects linked to innovation, higher education, transport and water infrastructure.

Among the major investments was €300 million in EIB support for water projects across Ireland. Over the past decade, the EIB Group has committed more than €8 billion to long-term investment throughout the country, helping finance projects in energy, healthcare, social housing, agriculture, education and support for small businesses.

Simon Harris said the Financing Group provides an important platform for strengthening collaboration with the EIB. He noted that the Bank's financial strength and specialist knowledge can help deliver transformative projects while supporting jobs, communities and economic development.

EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris described Ireland as a country that consistently turns investment into tangible results. He said the partnership extends beyond funding and includes access to international expertise that can support everything from research and innovation to housing delivery and greener infrastructure.

Nationwide EV Charging Plan Moves Forward

One of the key outcomes of the visit was a new advisory agreement focused on expanding Ireland's electric vehicle charging network. Under the arrangement, EIB experts will work with Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and the Department of Transport to help design and deliver a nationwide charging system. The goal is to ensure that charging facilities are accessible to communities throughout the country, supporting Ireland's transition to cleaner transport.

The EIB delegation also confirmed new support for agriculture and agrifood innovation projects, reinforcing its commitment to rural development and farming communities. Looking ahead, both sides expressed a shared ambition to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors. The discussions come as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, a role expected to place the country at the centre of important European economic and investment discussions.