ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR › docs › atlantic... · 2018-06-26 · guided by the National Planning Framework. Is ceantar ar leith é, tírdhreach sárcéimhe agus pobail beoga

ATLANTICATLANTICECONOMICECONOMICCORRIDORCORRIDOR

LEADING THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ATLANTIC ECONOMY

With the Atlantic Economic

Corridor, we have an

opportunity to redefine

ourselves as a ‘place’ of

dynamic and high achieving

entrepreneurs, targeting

global market opportunities,

further international

investment, using

innovation as a key driver

of growth, fuelled by a low

carbon economy.


visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 1

The Atlantic Economic Corridor is a dynamic collaboration; a consortium of geographical, sectoral and thematic interests, with one shared goal:

TO LEAD THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ATLANTIC ECONOMY

It is driven by business representatives and communities and supported by national and local government and State agencies.

The AEC seeks to bring together and better harness State and private sector resources to strengthen the region’s economic contribution. It also seeks to make the Atlantic region an attractive place to seize opportunities both in life and work.

The Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative aims to lay a strong foundation for the region’s economic growth through a broad programme of initiatives.

Our partnership (Atlantic Economic Corridor Task Force) aims to grow our entrepreneurial and innovation culture, encourage infrastructural investment, attract foreign direct investment and support indigenous companies with global ambitions.

FOREWORD / BROLLACH

The Atlantic Economic Corridor stretches along the entire western seaboard of Ireland, from Donegal in the north to Kerry in the south.

Síneann Conair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh fud fad chósta iarthair na hÉireann ó thuaisceart Dhún na nGall siar ó dheas go deisceart Chiarraí.

Its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural environment and vibrant communities

create a unique place in which to live and work. It is also a great location for enterprises to establish and grow, offering a highly skilled, flexible workforce, good infrastructure and international connectivity.

A wide range of companies, both Irish and multinational, have already discovered that the Atlantic Economic Corridor is a great place to locate. Across a wide range of industries, businesses of all sizes can tap into the wealth of skills available through our educated and dynamic workforce. Our land transport network, international accessibility and strong digital infrastructure provide a strong logistical and IT infrastructure for global operations. The Irish Government is committed to continued investment in our infrastructure through the National Development Plan guided by the National Planning Framework.

Is ceantar ar leith é, tírdhreach sárcéimhe agus pobail beoga de shíor ag mealladh

daoine chun cónaí agus chun na h-oibre ann. Is láthair iontach é chun fhiontar a bhunú nó a fhorbairt, ag tógáil ar fhórsa oibre oillte agus solúptha, dea-infrastructúr agus nascacht idirnáiúnta.

Tá réimse leathan comhlachtaí, comhlachtaí Éireannacha agus ilnáisúnta ina measc, lonnaithe ar Chonair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh cheana féin. Is feidir le gnónna beaga agus móra fórsa oibre ildánach, oilte agus dinimiciúil a earcú.

Is féidir infrastructúr láidir lóistíochta agus teicneolaíochta a thógáil ar ghreásán láidir iompair, digiteach agus inrochtaineacht idirnáisiúnta. Tá Rialtas na hÉireann tiomanta do bhreis infheistíochta in infrastrúctúr faoin bPlean Náisiúnta Forbartha, faoi choimirce an Creat Náisiúnta Pleanála.

2 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE

People also recognise the areas on our west coast as great places to live, to work, to experience a strong sense of community, and enable them to experience a high quality of life.

The Atlantic Economic Corridor is a partnership initiative across national government, local government, business groups, the education sector, and the community. Every day we see the strengths of this region, and by working together we want to attract more enterprise to the region and build even better communities.

I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the opportunities that exist along the Atlantic Economic Corridor to get in touch with one of the Atlantic Economic Corridor officers.

Aithnítear gur áit iontach í cósta an iarthair le bheith ag obair, nó bheith i do chónaí ann, áit ina mbíonn braistint láidir pobail agus caighdeán ard maireachtála ar fáil do dhaoine ann.

Is páirtnéireacht é Conair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh idir rialtas náisiúnta, rialtas áitiúil, an earnáil gnó, an earnáil oideachais agus pobal an iarthair. Aithnítear buanna uile an réigiúin seo, lá in dhiaidh lae, agus is ar scáth a chéile a bheimíd in ann fiontraíocht bhreise a mhealladh chun an réigiún agus inmharthanacht shaol an phobail a neartú dá réir.

Mholfainn do aon duine go bhfuil suim acu tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhéidearthachtaí agus faoi dheiseanna Chonair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh dul i dteagmháil le duine do Oifigigh Chonair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh.

Seán Kyne, T.D.Minister of State for Community Development,

Natural Resources and Digital DevelopmentAire Stáit um Fhorbairt Pobail, Acmhainní

Nádúrtha agus Forbairt Dhigiteach


http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie

http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie

Letterkenny

RoscommonCastlebar

Ireland WestAirport

ShannonAirport

KerryAirport

DonegalAirport

Galway

Limerick

Ennis

Tralee

Sligo

Carrick-on-Shannon

DONEGAL

g Pramerica g Abbott g Philips Medisize g LYIT

MAYO

g Lionbridge Technologies

g PortWest g Hollister g Coca Cola

CLARE

g EI Electronics g Jaguar Landrover g Chapel Gate Distillery

SLIGO

g SL Controls g Abbvie g Live Tiles g GSK Sligo

ROSCOMMON

g Nordson Medical

LIMERICK

g Liberty Global g Analog Devices g Johnson and Johnson

Vision Care

LEITRIM

g The Shed Distillery g Mirror Controls

GALWAY

g Medtronic g Orreco g Cisco g Insight Centre, NUIG

KERRY

g Fexco g Liebherr g Kerry Group


The Atlantic Economic Corridor is home to hundreds of successful businesses, from ambitious startups to scaling SMEs, from established multinational to indigenous Irish firms putting their stamp on global markets.

Every county along the AEC has a connected eco-system of talent and support to help each other thrive and prosper.

Letterkenny

RoscommonCastlebar

Ireland WestAirport

ShannonAirport

KerryAirport

DonegalAirport

Galway

Limerick

Ennis

Tralee

Sligo

Carrick-on-Shannon


A UNIQUE TASTE ABSORBED FROM A UNIQUE ATLANTIC CLIMATE

Clare woman, Louise McGuane, said goodbye to a life of travel to found her own whiskey business along the Atlantic Corridor.


I am willing to bet that this climate we have along the west coast will have a big impact on our whiskey and on our business.

Her career has taken her all over the world, but neither the bright lights

of New York nor the romance of Paris could dwindle her dreams of opening her very own whiskey business ideally positioned along the Atlantic corridor.Located on the McGuane family farm in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Chapel Gate Whiskey is less than a mile away from the sea and enjoying a microclimate that founder Louise, a self-proclaimed farmer’s daughter, describes as “unique”.

The distinctness of the region results in an whiskey tasting experience brimming in individuality, although Louise concedes it may not be ideal for a biking holiday.

This is just a minor consequence of the business’ special location which has a lasting impact on the maturation of its whiskey.

Louise says: “The majority of a whiskey’s flavour actually comes from the barrel it’s aged in, and the region where that barrel is stored has a huge impact.

“It takes a few years to really know how the style turns out, but I am willing to bet that this climate we have along the west coast will have a big impact on our whiskey and on our business.”

Business is already soaring for the Clare distillery both nationally and internationally.

Louise credits businesses within the Atlantic region for contributing to this, for instance there are numerous establishments that now sell the product. But the company’s reach stretches farther with Germany in particular being a favoured destination.

As Louise explains herself, a global revival in popularity of whiskey has helped.

“Irish whiskey is geographically a protected brand,” she says, “and there has been a massive resurgence in its interest.

“What I’m hoping to do is use this to develop and build a regional brand.”

The Atlantic corridor has proved to be a successful and unique building block towards Chapel Gate Whiskey’s label, and with plans to export more internationally, the region is reaping the rewards.


AT THE HEART OF AN ATLANTIC AXIS

EI Electronics is an Irish – and global success story

EI Electronics is one of the largest indigenous companies on the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) with an annual turnover of €200million and 800 employees.

A grand total of 700 of those are based in the Shannon headquarters where manufacturing, research and development and key commercial functions are co-located.

“Since being established in 1988, following a Management buyout from General Electric, our business has expanded organically, and today we rank as one of Ireland’s leading electronics companies with annual sales of €200 million, 5 overseas sales subsidiaries and exporting to 30 countries,” explains Michael Guinee, CEO of EI Electronics.

A truly global indigenous Irish company, all manufacturing, R&D and key commercial functions are co-located in the Shannon Free Zone headquarters.

“Shannon and the AEC have proven to be an optimum location for our business to grow and expand with ready access to a well-educated workforce and excellent transport logistics by road and air,” says Guinee.

“The region offers unrivalled work-life balance opportunities and there are excellent choices for living in the axis from Limerick to Ennis and the villages and towns between.


Shannon and the AEC have proven to be an optimum location for our business to grow and expand

“We are proud at having established a world leading brand in the niche area of fire and gas detection products, remaining at the forefront of technology and successfully building international markets from our AEC base.

“In the interest of balanced economic development, the AEC is the essential counter-balance to the Dublin region. It is easy to do business from the AEC and with an excellent road network, Dublin is just two hours from Shannon.’’


WRITING A NEW STORY FOR LIMERICK

The Treaty city has used the power of digital to trigger a renaissance

Set-up to present the Treaty City in a positive light, the website

gives information about Limerick City and County Council services.It also aims to be number one when people search the internet for information on Limerick and to showcase the city’s growing reputation as a perfect Atlantic region hub to work and call home.

And judging by how it’s been received the website is delivering in all aspects.


Limerick.ie – is a dynamic window to all key information about life in the resurgent Limerick.

Laura Ryan, Head of Marketing and Communications with Limerick City and County Council explains: “The site has been designed around its users so that each can have their own private log-in and they can create an individualised profile.”

Limerick.ie is setting the foundation for what people can do with the platform and what it can do for them.

It’s developing personalised services in an integrated way so that Limerick can develop the digital city experience for years to come.

Ryan says: “With Limerick’s economic renaissance already anchoring the Mid-West as Ireland’s fastest growing region, the newly developed integrated digital platform – Limerick.ie – is a dynamic window to all key information about life in the resurgent Limerick.”

Indeed the Limerick.ie digital platform is central to building a new ‘Digital Limerick’ by providing citizens with all information about the local authority and how to access its services.

It also acts as the official guide for those visiting the city and county and for people and organisations, including inward investors who want to do business in or with Limerick.

Limerick.ie was launched in April 2017 and was followed by an extensive marketing campaign. Since then it has become a multi-award-winning platform. More than 800,000 unique visitors visited Limerick.ie in 2017 alone.


TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION THAT THERE IS A BRIGHT FUTURE

Letterkenny Institute of Technology in Co Donegal is ensuring that there is a path to prosperity in the region

I t fosters one of the most progressive learning environments in Ireland with a

reach that is both regional and international.Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) attracts a diverse student cohort of more than 4,000 students from Ireland and 31 countries across the globe.

“Learners choose to study with LYIT because of our unique ethos that combines academic excellence with career-focused practical experience. It’s an innovative approach that positions our graduates for future success in line with their career and life ambitions,” explains John Andy Bonnar, Head of Development at LYIT.

The Institute also fosters close relationships with the wider North West regional community. Engagement and partnerships with indigenous and international business strengthen student’s prospects in tandem with the prosperity of the region’s economy.

“Our modern integrated campus learning environments in Letterkenny and Killybegs aren’t just gateways to a bright future, but to one of the most breathtaking corners of the world - with Donegal named National Geographic’s ‘Coolest Place on the Planet 2017’,” explains Bonnar.


Learners choose to study with LYIT because of our unique ethos that combines academic excellence with career-focused practical experience.

CoLab LYIT’s campus Incubation and Research Centre has supported 150 high potential entrepreneurs successfully launch their businesses over the last decade.

LYIT also supports Tech NorthWest Skillnet a network of 80 technology-based member companies based in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

Tech NorthWest provides subsidised training and networking opportunities for members focused on improving business competitiveness and enhancing innovation.

In addition to world class graduates LYIT also supports the development of the North West City Region’s economy through Research and Innovation initiatives including partnering with businesses on Enterprise Ireland.

LYIT has recently been successful in funded research projects with a range of partners including an EU Horizon 2020 funded Ocean Energy project in association with University College Cork and US company Ocean Renewable Power Corporation.

And an Interreg VA funded Personalised Medicine project in association with Ulster University, Letterkenny General Hospital, CTRIC and Altnagelvin Hospital Derry and many industry partners.


HOW TWO SLIGO MEN TURNED A KITCHEN TABLE INTO A MULTI-NATIONAL SOFTWARE COMPANY

World-leading brands turn to SL Controls with three bases along Atlantic Economic Corridor

In the space of 16 years, SL Controls has grown

from a two-person company operating from a kitchen in Sligo to 100 employees across five offices, including three along the Wild Atlantic Way. Founded by friends Keith Moran and Shane Loughlin in 2002, the company uses its prime locations in Sligo, Galway and Limerick as well as Dublin and Birmingham to expand its market across Ireland, the UK and US.


We now have three offices along the west coast and we have had no barriers so far.

SL Controls is a specialist software integration firm who integrate and validate software systems into manufacturing and process equipment.

They work with world-leading brands, mostly multinationals in the Pharma, Med Devices, Healthcare, and Food and Beverage sectors.

Their work is considered a game-changer in many areas of engineering, particularly when it comes to Pharmaceutical Serialisation, a method of tracking and tracing prescription drugs which the company is revolutionising to clamp down on the sale of counterfeit products.

Well into its second decade of operation, SL Controls has achieved a lot of what it set out to – expanding to multiple locations and most notably bringing jobs to the west of Ireland.

“The company was founded by two Sligo men, who went to college in Sligo, and so it was our goal to establish our business there with the option of growing into other locations if we wanted,” Managing Director, Keith Moran, says.

“We now have three offices along the west coast and we have had no barriers so far. The combination of infrastructure, which has improved greatly in recent years, and airports and technology means our company is never short of opportunities.”

Keith also credits a strong workforce and college culture as being other benefits of working along the Atlantic corridor.

In addition, the growth of high speed broadband in the region means when freak weather events like Storm Emma hits, employees can work remotely through the company’s Microsoft 365 platform.

“The benefits of working in the west are always growing. With technology, and the fact that I can be at Shannon airport within two hours now to fly to the US, and Knock Airport very quickly for meetings in the UK, we have never had any barriers,” says Keith.


COASTAL BEAUTY AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR WORKFORCE SETS TONE FOR PORTWEST

Award-winning Mayo company becomes a world leader, based in the heart of Ireland’s west

Just like the Wild Atlantic Way, Westport-based company

Portwest is steeped in a history and heritage to be envious of. More than 110 years of experience has given this business a reputation of quality, value and service in a field it has proven to be a world leader in.

That is the design and manufacture of stylish, comfortable and high-quality workwear that meets recognised international standards.

But while Portwest’s hard-working team at its Atlantic corridor headquarters reflects the success the company has achieved to date, it’s hard to look past the business’ award-winning chief executive – Harry Hughes.


A vibrant west of Ireland benefits everybody. Tourists do not wish to visit or stay in declining towns.

Hughes, who runs the company along with his brothers Cathal and Owen, was in 2016 named EY Entrepreneur of the Year, a worthy recipient in the year that the firm recorded €140 million in revenue.

He has credited operating along the Atlantic Economic Corridor as a huge reason his business is able to reap such rewards.

“Westport was built on the linen industry 250 years ago and textiles has been a key industry since then,” Harry told a conference recently.

“Some companies closed due to globalisation, such as the thread and boot factories but there are still four companies operating – Portwest, Carraig Donn, Northern Feather and Popular Linens. These companies employ over 300 directly in textiles in Westport and their off-shoot companies such as hotel and retail employ another 200.”

Among the advantages of Portwest’s location is the quality of life and work balance it offers staff.

In fact, Westport was voted best place to live in Ireland by The Irish Times in 2012. Just last year, it won Tidy Towns’ ‘Best Large Town’.

Hughes has in the past also recognised his company’s close proximity to third level institutes in Mayo, Galway and Sligo who continue to provide top graduates to his industry.

Harry said: “Most towns in rural Ireland do not have these issues. We should be encouraging Dublin companies to have a rural office or facility.

“A vibrant west of Ireland benefits everybody. Tourists do not wish to visit or stay in declining towns. Nobody will invest where there is decline.”


TAKE-OFF FOR A VITAL ATLANTIC HUB

Ireland West Airport is looking forward to a bright future


We wish to acknowledge Government’s recognition of the airport as one of the four main airports’ in the country.

It’s the regional airport that just keeps on growing and it fuels the development of the

economy along the Atlantic Economic Corridor.Ireland West Airport now provides connectivity to over 20 destinations across the UK and Europe, offering the biggest selection of services to the UK from the West and North West of Ireland.

Joe Gilmore, Chief Executive, explains: “Our location as the most westerly airport in the country and our accessibility to the Atlantic corridor and Wild Atlantic Way is highlighted by the fact that over 250,000 overseas visitors came through the airport in 2017 to access the region, generating an economic contribution of over €140million annually for the region.”

Indeed, 2017 was a record breaking year for the airport as it reached a passenger milestone of 750,000 for the first time reinforcing the airports position as the fourth largest airport in Ireland.

Its further strengthened by the support of seven local authorities in the West and North West which recently invested €7.3 million in return for a 17.5 percent shareholding in the airport with the objectives of collaboration and expanding the route network, increasing passenger numbers, tourism bed nights and visitors to the region over the next decade.

“We wish to acknowledge Government’s recognition of the airport as one of the four main airports’ in the country and its position as a critical driver of economic and tourism development for the West and North West of Ireland. We also are pleased that the National Planning Framework highlights the Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative and recognises the significant role of Ireland West Airport in tourism and enterprise development,” adds Joe.


ATLANTIC CORRIDOR’S DEEP HISTORY PRESERVED IN TUBBERCURRY

Dutch couple reap rewards of historic region to establish conservation business

A life changes when one moves country and the decision to do so must not be

taken lightly.But so was the pull of the Atlantic lifestyle that Dutchman Benjamin van den Wetering and his wife Ineke Scholte, made the big move to the Ox Mountains of Tubbercurry at the turn of the millennium.

It is here that their company ‘The Ox Bindery’ now offers Institute of Conservators-Restorers in Ireland (ICRI) accredited conservation services to public and private clients.

Some might say the west coast and the artistic couple are a faultless match.

Benjamin, a former art school student, has also studied hand bookbinding and subsequently book and paper conservation in the Netherlands.

Sligo is of course notable for its rich history, particularly in literature.

So when Benjamin, who comes from a family of craftworkers, took an interest in the origins and craft of books it was written in the stars that he settle in the north west.

And as Benjamin and Ineke also now run their own Airbnb, they are also reaping the rewards of the West’s growing tourism market.

“We do have tourists coming for accommodation,” said Benjamin. “I would say Airbnb creates a lot of traction for our book binding business as these people often buy some of our books, but we are aware that what we do is pioneering in the area.”

He added: “Working in the west is rewarding and we get a lot of work done because of its quiet, the peace it offers and its low overhead costs.”

The company recently took part in a project funded by the Heritage Council under the National Lottery good causes fund.

The Ox Bindery expertly conserved various raw materials such as account books from an historic family boat yard.

The notebooks are now in the care of Sligo County Council Local Studies and Archives Section.

With the history of the Atlantic corridor being written every day, its preservation is in the finest hands at Ox Bindery.


Working in the west is rewarding and we get a lot of work done because of its quiet, the peace it offers and its low overhead costs.


LIFE IS FOR LIVING

Life is for living, and there is no better place to do exactly that in one of the many breath-taking counties that make up the Atlantic region.

With space to create and explore, to work and to enjoy the magnificent outdoors, the Atlantic region is the perfect platform for a career – and you can enjoy a lifestyle to match.

With living costs up to 30pc cheaper than Dublin and greatly reduced commuting times, the world – and the rolling Atlantic – is your oyster.

With many exciting job vacancies and a wide choice of living options, come and create your own Atlantic adventure.



RURAL BASE – GLOBAL REACH

The Culture and Creativity of Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas drives innovation and enterprise

The culture, language, enterprise and innovation of Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas along the picturesque western coast of the Atlantic Economic Corridor ensures they are vibrant and unique locations in which to live, work, visit or set up a business.

Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional development authority funded by the Irish Government to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht regions. The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to ensure that the Irish language remains the main communal language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations.

Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Micheál Ó hÉanaigh is passionate about the opportunities that can be developed into the future.

“Our strategy is underpinned by two over-arching themes: the Irish Language and Innovation and Enterprise. We encourage and attract investment in the Gaeltacht through a range of financial and non-financial incentives for new and existing enterprises to start up, scale or grow.

Through strategic projects and targeted objectives we support businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of commercial sectors, including life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts.”


Our Atlantic region provides multiple opportunities to innovate, grow your business or develop your investments across a range of key sectors.Find the right connections, programmes and events to help you start or grow your business, accelerate new innovations or get export ready. Get in touch with our business and innovation advisors to get free advice and support, access mentoring and networking opportunities, and to find out if you may be eligible for funding or grants.

Forbes magazine has ranked Ireland as one of the best countries for business. Over 1,150 international companies have operations in Ireland. These companies are involved in a wide range of activities and sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, biosciences, financial services and manufacturing. This is not just for large multinationals, but also the potential multinationals of the future. The Atlantic region nurtures these high-growth companies, helping them forge their future success in Ireland.

Why not try the Wild Atlantic Way?The journey of a lifetime awaits along 2,500km of coastal roads on the Wild Atlantic Way. Read on to discover all the ways you can immerse yourself in this unforgettable part of the world. Brimming with enigmatic character, unmistakable atmosphere, unforgettable encounters and lasting memories, the Wild Atlantic Way’s six regions showcase all this among sensational scenery.

Life is for livingWith space to create and explore, to work and to enjoy the magnificent outdoors, the Atlantic region is the perfect platform for a career – and you can enjoy a lifestyle to match. With living costs up to 30pc cheaper than Dublin and greatly reduced commuting times, the world – and the rolling Atlantic – is your oyster. With many exciting job vacancies and a wide choice of living options, come and create your own Atlantic adventure.

To find out more about how you can get involved in the future success of the Atlantic Economic Corridor visit www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie

http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie/start-grow/

http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie/invest/

http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie/visit/

http://www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie/live/

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie


Documents

ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR › docs › atlantic... · 2018-06-26 · guided by the National Planning Framework. Is ceantar ar leith é, tírdhreach sárcéimhe agus pobail beoga