Dublin, 12 December 2018 - IDA Ireland today welcomed the announcement that Barclays has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Ireland for the bank’s enlarged Irish operation and the expansion of its licensed pan-European activity, encompassing corporate and investment banking, wealth management and card services.

IDA Ireland also congratulated the company on its 40th anniversary in Ireland, the inauguration of its new office in Dublin and the announcement that it expects to double its employee base to 300 by end of 2019.  

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD said “I warmly welcome this news from Barclays. This new office will provide them the space required for the expected doubling of their workforce next year as they enlarge their Dublin operation. Barclays have a long and proud history in Ireland and this year marks their 40th Anniversary here. This announcement once again shows that Ireland is now a major player and a very attractive location for Financial Services companies from all over the world and today’s announcement from Barclays is a great vote of confidence in what we have to offer.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: "This announcement by Barclays to extend activities at their Dublin base is a further endorsement of Ireland’s strong offering to the International Financial Services Sector."

"Ireland's access to the EU's markets and regulatory systems has become increasingly important for Ireland post-Brexit. Companies based in the U.K want to retain a foothold in the EU, and Ireland is the perfect location from which to do this."

"Barclays has had a strong presence in Ireland since 1978 and I am delighted to see that it will double its footprint in Ireland. I would like to congratulate Kevin Wall, CEO, Barclays Bank Ireland and the entire team on this significant anniversary and the opening of its new office in the heart of Dublin,” concluded Martin Shanahan.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Michael D’Arcy TD agreed: “I welcome Barclays announcement and the opening of its new office in Dublin. This announcement points to Ireland’s continued attractiveness for international financial services businesses.”