Enterprise Ireland leads record construction delegation to Netherlands data centre event

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government's trade and innovation agency, has brought over 85 construction and engineering companies to Amsterdam for Kickstart Europe 2026, marking the largest Irish delegation ever assembled for the pan-European data centre event and underlining the sector's strategic importance to Ireland's export economy.

According to Business Eye, the two-day trade mission includes major construction firms Mercury, Sisk, PM Group and RKD Architects, alongside specialist engineering providers targeting opportunities in Europe's rapidly expanding digital infrastructure market.

The delegation is supported by Minister of State for Digitalisation, eGovernment and Public Procurement, Frank Feighan T.D., reflecting government backing for international business development in mission-critical construction.

Ireland's high-tech construction sector generated €4.7 billion in global exports, making it Enterprise Ireland's largest export sector outside food. Data centre-related activities alone account for over €2.1 billion in exports, representing 42% of all high-tech construction revenues, with the sector achieving 22.5% annual growth since 2021.

The Netherlands represents Enterprise Ireland's fourth largest export market worldwide, with €2 billion in total exports recorded in 2024. Nearly 50 Irish construction and engineering firms are active in the Dutch data centre ecosystem, spanning general contracting, mechanical engineering, modular construction and fit-out services.

Tonia Spollen, Enterprise Ireland Overseas Manager for the Benelux Region, said Irish firms are positioned to capture market share as European data centre construction is projected to reach €100 billion by 2030. The trade mission will enable direct engagement with key stakeholders in growth markets including the Benelux region, Germany and the Nordics.

The sector comprises over 180 companies across design, build, commissioning and maintenance, employing more than 35,000 people. Irish clients export to 14 countries, with the mature domestic data centre ecosystem providing a competitive advantage in delivering sustainable, mission-critical infrastructure at scale.

See more on Ireland's data centre construction capabilities and market positioning.