THE economic revival in the Mid-West was highlighted the launch of a Limerick Chamber campaign and new website to help companies recruit new workers.
The ‘Move Mid West’ campaign and website was unveiled at the Limerick Chamber ‘Let’s Talk Tech’ event in Dublin last week which was attended by representatives of multi-national employers in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
The campaign is in response to the 1,012 vacancies currently in the Mid-West, with over 630 of these in the information technology, engineering, pharma and science sectors.
Among the major international companies looking to recruit candidates in the Mid-West are Johnson & Johnson, Northern Trust, Analog Devices, BD and 4Site in Limerick, JLR in Shannon and First Data in Nenagh.
Chief executive Dee Ryan said that Limerick Chamber wanted to send out that these employment opportunities were available and the Mid West is a fantastic place to live, work and play in.
“This is one of the most affordable regions in the country and the evidence is that people get everything they need by way of lifestyle and jobs and they have a lot more disposable income to go with it.”
Currently there are in excess of 20 estates under construction across the region, with the average price in Limerick city at €201,952, Limerick county €206,376, Clare €196,817 and Tipperary at €189,302.
When compared with other regions with a city, the Mid West contrasts very favourably. In Dublin average prices range from €310,000 to €600,000 across the city; Galway city averages at €304,549 and county at €205,400, while Cork city has a €285,941 average and Cork county €235,033.
John O’Dea, chief executive of TechIreland, which helps connect people across the tech industry, said that the great advantage of Limerick and the Mid West is that it has a great collection of multinational companies, a really vibrant infrastructure and strong growth
“The numbers last year were 30 percent up on the previous year in terms of investment into the sector. So, it’s got an awful lot going for it, which is just so important when you’re starting a family or getting going in your career,” he said.
Chris Foley, Agile Coach with Johnson & Johnson said that he hasn’t looked back since he made the move to Limerick.
“There’s lots of organizations starting up, lots of job opportunities and a great way of life. We just need to get out there and promote it,” he said.
by Tom McCullough
