COWI accelerates growth in Ireland with the acquisition of PUNCH Consulting Engineers

COWI has strengthened its position in Ireland with the strategic acquisition of PUNCH Consulting Engineers – a move that significantly expands its capabilities and reinforces its role in delivering low-carbon infrastructure and energy, and delivering sustainable buildings to power Ireland’s future.

The acquisition signals a clear commitment to growth and to Ireland’s green transition. 

By combining PUNCH’s strong local presence and established relationships with COWI’s global capabilities, the organisation is better positioned to deliver complex, large-scale projects that advance climate goals and support resilient communities.

Founded in 1973, PUNCH is one of Ireland’s leading engineering consultancies, with offices across Ireland and the UK and a team of more than 150 specialists. The company brings deep local insight, long-standing customer relationships and a strong track record in delivering high-quality engineering solutions across the built environment. 

Ireland remains a key growth market for COWI, with ambitious national plans for renewable energy, infrastructure and sustainable development. The addition of PUNCH strengthens COWI’s ability to respond to increasing demand for low-carbon, future-ready solutions across buildings, industry, transportation and energy and deliver nature-positive, low-carbon solutions that help shape a more sustainable future.

Together, the combined organisation creates a stronger platform for delivering major national programmes and complex infrastructure projects. It also enhances COWI’s position in the buildings and industry sector, unlocking opportunities for larger and more advanced projects in areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, data centres and residential development. 

At the heart of the acquisition is a shared focus on people, expertise and long-term impact. Bringing together highly skilled teams enables greater collaboration, access to international projects and expanded career opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to engineering excellence and sustainability.

With strengthened capabilities and a growing presence, COWI is well-positioned to support Ireland’s infrastructure ambitions, contribute to climate targets and deliver nature-positive, low-carbon solutions that help shape a more sustainable future.