KBC Bank Ireland has opened a new office in Cork city.
The Cork office is the bank's first office outside of Dublin and will employ 28 people initially. The bank said that employee numbers there are expected to grow ''significantly'' over the next few years.
KBC has started an expansion programme in Ireland which has seen the bank invest in new high street offices, launch a range of new financial products and expand its online banking presence.
Investment in the new office ''reflects the increase in new customers joining the bank and the demand for competitive banking among Irish consumers'', said John Reynolds, KBC Bank Ireland's chief executive.
Mr Reynolds said that the bank has ambitious plans to grow its business in the Cork region. ''We are committed to providing sustainable competition in the Irish market,'' he added.
''Opening our office in Cork reflects our belief in Ireland as a place to do business and our confidence in being a real competitive alternative in the market for Irish consumers,'' he added.
KBC Bank Ireland already employs over 700 people in Ireland.
Mr Reynolds said that the bank has ambitious plans to grow its business in the Cork region. ''We are committed to providing sustainable competition in the Irish market,'' he added.
''Opening our office in Cork reflects our belief in Ireland as a place to do business and our confidence in being a real competitive alternative in the market for Irish consumers,'' he added.
KBC Bank Ireland now employs over 700 people in Ireland.
