Paul Kelleher
AmCham Southern Chair

The Southern Region continues to be a beacon for business and talent and has the largest concentration of FDI outside of Dublin.

Well-established industry clusters foster collaboration and innovation, creating a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can excel.

Seven out of Top 20 Pharmaceutical Companies and Technology Companies respectively are located in the region such as Pfizer, MSD, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Meta, Apple, IBM, and Qualcomm.

World-class University College Cork and highly esteemed Munster Technological University are located here, helping to fuel the talent pipeline with highly skilled graduates. They also contribute expertise, nurturing the research and development landscape that can be observed in the region.

As a place to live, it is evident that the Southern region is a place that attracts and retains its people and according to the National Planning Framework Cork City population is set to grow by up to 50% by 2040.

Having an International Airport in Cork with daily connections to key UK and European hubs of London, Paris and Amsterdam is extremely beneficial, as well as support from Farranfore airport and the ongoing development to the road infrastructure. Shannon and Dublin Airports are also within easy reach. The ability to be connected remains an attractive feature for companies looking to base themselves in the region.

This is accompanied by the fact that the Southern region is a beautiful place to live, with stunning coastline and rural scenery. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way consists of coastline stretching from Kinsale, Cork heading west to Kerry and continues as far as Donegal. Kerry alone offers 350km of coastline to explore. The Southern region also has a vibrant cultural life to offer, with events such as the Cork Jazz Festival and Rose of Tralee International Festival annually, and rich heritage locations such as Blarney Castle and Skellig Michael.

Home to many sporting traditions and organisations, both female and male, across a multitude of sports, the sense of community and teamwork is also evident. Successful athletics, soccer, GAA, and rugby clubs, among others, contribute to the winning mentality in the region.

The Southern Region of Ireland is a place where business, talent and culture come together to create a dynamic and prosperous environment, which in turn, continues to attract many global leading Companies who recognise the extraordinary opportunities that exist here.

The Midwest region of Ireland has emerged as a coveted destination for businesses, primarily due to the exceptional talent available in the area. This talent pool is supported by several key factors: the quality of education, the presence of several large multinational companies, the overall quality of life, and the growing population.

It is home to some of Ireland’s leading educational institutions which offer advanced programs in most fields while emphasizing research and innovation. The flexibility of the institutions and their willingness to work with industry to ensure graduates get the required skills is a distinct advantage.

The Midwest is home to numerous large multinational corporations across sectors like medical technology, pharmaceutical, aviation, and information technology. The presence of these multinationals creates an ecosystem of expertise and experience, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Additionally, it provides local talent with opportunities to gain valuable experience in global business environments, making them even more attractive to future employers.

The quality of life in the Midwest is a major draw for talent. The region offers a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. This balance fosters a high standard of living, essential for attracting and retaining skilled professionals. Additionally, the area boasts affordable housing, excellent healthcare facilities, and vibrant community life. The region is also experiencing significant population growth, driven by both natural increase and inward migration. This growing population ensures a dynamic and expanding labor market.

These factors really make Midwest an ideal location for businesses seeking top talent hence the huge variety of large multinationals in the area. It is attractive for both the companies and individuals seeking great employment opportunities with a good work life balance.