AI investment is entering a new phase with datacentres emerging as the backbone of the AI era. While early attention centred on AI models and start-ups, the investor focus is increasingly turning to the infrastructure that makes AI possible. Datacentres, energy networks and high-capacity connectivity are now strategic assets that have opened new opportunities for Ireland’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
EY’s recent AI Investment trends report shows that global AI investment reached $430 billion in the first half of 2026 alone, surpassing the $254 billion invested during the whole of 2025. A growing share of this was directed toward the digital infrastructure that underpins AI adoption.
The scale of investment is equally striking. Sovereign wealth funds invested $66 billion in AI and digitalisation in 2025, helping to fund major datacentre and digital infrastructure projects worldwide. That figure is expected to surpass $100 billion in 2026.
Ireland is well positioned to play a leading role in supporting the next phase of AI-driven growth. Read the full analysis by Grit Young, Partner and Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications Industry Leader at EY Ireland.
