South East of Ireland - a good place to invest for a tech firm?

The Answer is YES !

The Southeast of Ireland combines the five counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford, with a population of over 580,000. It presents a favourable environment for technology enterprises, with a growing talent pool, lower operational costs, and strong support for innovation and research. Its closeness to Dublin and Rosslare Port, combined with the recent North Quays development in Waterford city, the intention to re-open Waterford airport for international flights and the region's excellent standard of living, makes it an excellent choice for businesses wishing to invest in a tech-friendly environment.

Counties of the South East of Ireland



A Growing Technology Hub:

Ireland South East logo

The southeast of Ireland has established itself as a desirable location for technology companies, particularly in the ICT sector. The area is home to nearly 6,000 ICT experts, who are backed by an increasing number of businesses and startups. According to Ireland South East (the website of the Ireland South East Development Office [ISEDO]), "Ireland South East is the fastest growing region in the fastest growing economy in Europe".


SETU logo

Talent and Workforce:

One of the most significant benefits of investing in the Southeast is the availability of a highly skilled workforce. The region is home to the South East Technological University (SETU), which produces graduates in ICT and allied fields. Furthermore, a sizable amount of local tech talent now commutes to larger cities, creating a ready and untapped pool of workers willing to work closer to home.




Walton Institute logo
Research and Innovation Support: 

The Southeast region offers great support for research and innovation, making it a very appealing location for development-focused tech enterprises. The Walton Institute, a research and innovation centre based at SETU Waterford, enables firms to collaborate on emerging technologies and create innovative solutions. This type of environment promotes growth and strengthens ties between industry and academia, boosting innovation.



Illustration of man cutting the word cost with a large scissors
Cost Benefits:

According to Ireland South East, the region was voted the "most cost competitive region in Ireland".  This includes lower property prices, commercial rents, and wages, allowing tech companies to save costs while maintaining access to talent. Furthermore, the proximity to Dublin—only one to two hours away—allows enterprises to get the benefits of a major city while working in a more cost-effective setting.


Quality of Life:

For employees, a recent survey conducted by Collins McNicholas found that 76% of employees who relocated to the south east had more disposable income, and 92% of those surveyed declared a better work-life balance following relocation. With it's close proximity to beaches, waterways, greenways, and forests, excellent nightlife and family activities, not to mention the best weather in the entire country, South East Ireland offers much in terms of quality of life to employees, making this a preferred place for employees to live, work and raise a family. 



Do you know of any other advantages for Tech Firms investing in the south east? 

Please Feel free to Leave a comment!

Comments

  1. Waterford Airport is such an under utilized resource, Wish the government would put more focus on investment!

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    1. I couldn't agree more, I would say most of Dáil Éireann candidate in this election that are representing the Waterford district have the airport on their agenda. 🗳️🗳️

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  2. Wexford badly needs a collage, A proper 3rd level collage. I believe one is on the way!

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    Replies
    1. I think Co Wexford town has a campus which is part of SETU, but i think once the port is fully developed i think we need to have Waterford airport up and ruining then linking it all by rail, imagine the economic growth that will have.

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  3. Waterford has lots of possibilities for becoming a tech mecca, there is plenty of room to build, especially upwards, will we see Waterford get close to Cork and Dublin?

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    Replies
    1. I do believe we have the potential to even surpass Dublin or Cork but we need a government who will fund projects here to reach that potential, i don't think it is coming slowly but surely

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  4. The road network to the South East means it is so accessible to the whole country. You have a good quality of life down here with all the benefits of a skilled labour force.

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  5. The South East sounds like a hidden gem for tech companies – great talent, lower costs, and an excellent quality of life. What’s not to love?

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    1. You forgot to mention the relatively best weather in the country #sunny_south_east
      Thanks Erica for your comment

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  6. SETU is in good position to play major role in education of future IT specialists for region. Fact that there is Technology Transfer Office based here should help businesses reach into innovative solutions and researchers to commercialise new ideas.There is plenty to do on logistics side. Developed of Rosslare Europort was pushed by Brexit but same should happened for Waterford Airport. Proper campus for students with plenty affordable accommodation would help attract young talent to region.

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    1. Lucy if you are ever put your candidacy for the Dail, i will be your first vote LOL . I have always spoke about the potential of the Airport. You brought up another relevant point about building accommodation for students, so imagine the revenue that generate to the whole area and that will give Ireland a bigger bargaining power to repel the large corporation from leaving the country (if the gov decided to increase the corporate taxes) because they will have a skilled workforce which is a scarce resource in our time.

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