Industry

Industry in the South West

The South West Region encompasses counties Cork and Kerry and has a population in the region of 648,000. The region possesses a highly dynamic industrial sector with many of the world's leading multinational corporations having their European headquarters in the region.

Points of interest and potential

 The South-West has a dynamic and broad enterprise sector with predominance in Pharmaceuticals, ICT (hardware and services) and Food (including functional foods), and significant potential in tourism, medical devices, other internationally traded services and maritime

 The South-West derives a higher proportion of its Gross Value Added (GVA) from manufacturing than any other region in the country; a trait which is not seen elsewhere in the State

 UCC attracted more research funding over the period 2005-2006 than any other third level institution in the country. The presence of important research centres at UCC, CITand Moorepark contribute to make the region one of the best performing areas of the country in terms of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD)

 There are many initiatives underway within the region to stimulate innovation, and given the nature of its existing enterprise and research base the cross sectoral aspects may present real opportunity for differentiation capitalising on convergence opportunities

 Kerry in particular has a strong entrepreneurial culture. Initiatives such as those driven by the Tralee Institute of Technology , a strong cohort of internationally trading indigenous firms (e.g. Fexco and Kerry Foods), and the significant tourism and maritime potential, provides an attractive proposition for high growth indigenous firms

 In a comprehensive study of water based tourism and leisure products for the country,Kerry and Cork were highlighted as having the highest potential of all regions

 Initiatives such as the Cork Area Strategic Plan demonstrate the regional capacity and capability to work collaboratively to harness central funding for the benefit of the entire region.

For additional information on Industry in the South West please visit the IDA ireland website at http://www.idaireland.com/

Assistance is also available for enterprise development from

Enterprise Ireland

South Cork Enterprise Board

West Cork Enterprise Board

North Cork Enterprise Board

Kerry Enterprise Board

and from Leader Groups in the region