EY Ireland has started the search for a new Dublin headquarters of up to 250K SF in what will be a major boost to the city’s commercial real estate market.

Despite concerns over the impact of global layoffs by tech giants, other sectors could yet help to fill the void left by the likes of Meta and Google.

Adviser Knight Frank has been appointed by professional services giant EY to manage the search process, and has now issued a request for proposals to developers that hold sites capable of accommodating a development from 200K SF to 250K SF, React News reported.

The focus is expected to target potential options around D2 for occupation in 2026. The accountancy group is currently based on Harcourt Street in the city.

In November 2022, EY Ireland Managing Partner Frank O’Keefe said that the company was looking to increase its Irish headcount from 4,200 to 5,100.

"Strong client demand for our services gives us confidence to continue with our ambitious growth plans," he said of the announcement.

Deloitte Ireland is also reportedly on the lookout for a new headquarters. The accountancy giant, which issued a request for proposals for sites in August last year, has a requirement of between 150K SF and 210K SF, and agent Colliers is advising Deloitte.

In early January, U.S. investment bank Citi agreed to a deal with RGRE at Waterfront South Central in the North Docklands in a €300M deal. Citi will occupy around 300K SF at the site.

None of the parties have commented on the reports.