Enterprise Ireland Secures New Dublin Headquarters as Office Demand Rebounds

Semi-state agency Enterprise Ireland selects 101,000 SF headquarters at 160 Townsend as Dublin’s office market sees a 40 percent surge in Q1 leasing activity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 8:54 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

The Transaction and Strategic Relocation

Enterprise Ireland, the national agency responsible for supporting Irish owned businesses, is finalizing a deal to relocate its primary operations to 160 Townsend in Dublin. This move follows an extensive citywide search conducted by CBRE, which evaluated high profile sites such as Coopers Cross and the Tropical Fruit Warehouse. The agency is expected to lease the entirety of the 101,000 square foot building, currently listed with a headline rent of approximately €65 per square foot. While legal negotiations are ongoing, the estimated annual rent for the facility could exceed €6.5 million, though a long term single tenant agreement typically commands a more favorable rate.

Regulatory and Sustainable Development Standards

The choice of 160 Townsend reflects a growing mandate for public and semi-state bodies to occupy high efficiency, sustainable real estate. Designed by MCA Architects, the development is built to meet A3 energy ratings and is targeting LEED Gold v4 certification. The facility aligns with nearly zero energy building (NZEB) requirements, a critical benchmark for Irish government agencies. Beyond its environmental credentials, the building offers modern amenities including basement parking, 122 bicycle spaces, and "end of trip" facilities, catering to the evolving expectations of a modern workforce and state sustainability goals.

Strategic Rationale and Institutional Proximity

Relocating from its current headquarters at EastPoint Business Park in Dublin 3 to the city center offers Enterprise Ireland significant strategic advantages. By moving to the 160 Townsend site, the agency will be positioned in closer proximity to key government stakeholders, the IDA, and its primary business clients. This physical centralization is intended to foster better collaboration across Ireland's economic development network. Furthermore, the agency's 40 international offices will now be supported by a flagship domestic hub that mirrors the modern, professional image of the Irish companies it represents globally.