ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

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. It is driven by business representatives and ATLANTIC communities and supported by national ECONOMIC and local government and State agencies. CORRIDOR The AEC seeks to bring together and better harness State and private sector resources to strengthen the region’s The Atlantic Economic Corridor economic contribution. It also seeks to is a dynamic collaboration; a make the Atlantic region an attractive place to seize opportunities both in life consortium of geographical, and work. sectoral and thematic interests, with one shared goal: The Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative aims to lay a strong foundation for the region’s economic growth through a TO LEAD THE broad programme of initiatives. Our partnership (Atlantic Economic TRANSFORMATION Corridor Task Force) aims to grow our entrepreneurial and innovation culture, OF THE ATLANTIC encourage infrastructural investment, attract foreign direct investment and ECONOMY support indigenous companies with global ambitions.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 1 FOREWORD / BROLLACH

The Atlantic Economic Corridor Síneann Conair Eacnamaíochta stretches along the entire an Atlantaigh fud fad chósta western seaboard of Ireland, iarthair na hÉireann ó from Donegal in the north to thuaisceart Dhún na nGall siar Kerry in the south. ó dheas go deisceart Chiarraí.

ts stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural s ceantar ar leith é, tírdhreach sárcéimhe Ienvironment and vibrant communities Iagus pobail beoga de shíor ag mealladh create a unique place in which to live daoine chun cónaí agus chun na h-oibre and work. It is also a great location for ann. Is láthair iontach é chun fhiontar a enterprises to establish and grow, offering bhunú nó a fhorbairt, ag tógáil ar fhórsa a highly skilled, flexible workforce, good oibre oillte agus solúptha, dea-infrastructúr infrastructure and international connectivity. agus nascacht idirnáiúnta. A wide range of companies, both Irish and Tá réimse leathan comhlachtaí, comhlachtaí multinational, have already discovered that Éireannacha agus ilnáisúnta ina measc, the Atlantic Economic Corridor is a great place lonnaithe ar Chonair Eacnamaíochta an to locate. Across a wide range of industries, Atlantaigh cheana féin. Is feidir le gnónna businesses of all sizes can tap into the wealth beaga agus móra fórsa oibre ildánach, oilte of skills available through our educated agus dinimiciúil a earcú. and dynamic workforce. Our land transport Is féidir infrastructúr láidir lóistíochta agus network, international accessibility and strong teicneolaíochta a thógáil ar ghreásán láidir digital infrastructure provide a strong logistical iompair, digiteach agus inrochtaineacht and IT infrastructure for global operations. idirnáisiúnta. Tá Rialtas na hÉireann tiomanta The Irish Government is committed to do bhreis infheistíochta in infrastrúctúr faoin continued investment in our infrastructure bPlean Náisiúnta Forbartha, faoi choimirce an through the National Development Plan Creat Náisiúnta Pleanála. guided by the National Planning Framework.

2 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE Seán Kyne, T.D.

Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development Aire Stáit um Fhorbairt Pobail, Acmhainní Nádúrtha agus Forbairt Dhigiteach

People also recognise the areas on Aithnítear gur áit iontach í cósta an iarthair our west coast as great places to live, le bheith ag obair, nó bheith i do chónaí to work, to experience a strong sense ann, áit ina mbíonn braistint láidir pobail of community, and enable them to agus caighdeán ard maireachtála ar fáil do experience a high quality of life. dhaoine ann. The Atlantic Economic Corridor is a Is páirtnéireacht é Conair Eacnamaíochta partnership initiative across national an Atlantaigh idir rialtas náisiúnta, rialtas government, local government, áitiúil, an earnáil gnó, an earnáil oideachais business groups, the education sector, agus pobal an iarthair. Aithnítear buanna and the community. Every day we see uile an réigiúin seo, lá in dhiaidh lae, the strengths of this region, and by agus is ar scáth a chéile a bheimíd in ann working together we want to attract fiontraíocht bhreise a mhealladh chun more enterprise to the region and an réigiún agus inmharthanacht shaol an build even better communities. phobail a neartú dá réir. I would encourage anyone who is Mholfainn do aon duine go bhfuil interested in learning more about suim acu tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi the opportunities that exist along fhéidearthachtaí agus faoi dheiseanna the Atlantic Economic Corridor to Chonair Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh dul get in touch with one of the Atlantic i dteagmháil le duine do Oifigigh Chonair Economic Corridor officers. Eacnamaíochta an Atlantaigh.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 3 The Atlantic Economic Corridor is home to hundreds of successful businesses, from ambitious startups to scaling Donegal SMEs, from established multinational to indigenous Irish Airport 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.

DONEGAL

gg Pramerica gg Abbott SLIGO gg Philips Medisize g Ireland West gg LYIT g SL Controls Airport gg Abbvie LEITRIM Carrick-on gg Live Tiles -Shannon gg GSK Sligo gg The Shed Distillery gg Mirror Controls Castlebar Roscommon MAYO

gg Lionbridge Technologies Galway gg PortWest gg Hollister gg Medtronic gg Coca Cola gg Orreco ROSCOMMON gg Cisco gg Insight Centre, NUIG gg Nordson Medical Shannon Airport CLARE Tralee gg EI Electronics gg Jaguar Landrover LIMERICK Kerry Airport gg Chapel Gate Distillery gg Liberty Global gg Analog Devices KERRY gg Johnson and Johnson Vision Care gg Fexco gg Liebherr gg Kerry Group

4 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE Donegal Airport

Letterkenny

Sligo

Ireland West Airport Carrick-on -Shannon

Castlebar Roscommon

Galway

Ennis

Limerick Shannon Airport

Tralee

Kerry Airport

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 5 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.

6 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE 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.

er career has taken her all over the Business is already soaring for the H world, but neither the bright lights Clare distillery both nationally and of New York nor the romance of Paris internationally. could dwindle her dreams of opening Louise credits businesses within the her very own whiskey business ideally Atlantic region for contributing to positioned along the Atlantic corridor. this, for instance there are numerous Located on the McGuane family farm in establishments that now sell the Kilrush, Co. Clare, Chapel Gate Whiskey product. But the company’s reach is less than a mile away from the sea and stretches farther with Germany in enjoying a microclimate that founder particular being a favoured destination. Louise, a self-proclaimed farmer’s As Louise explains herself, a global daughter, describes as “unique”. revival in popularity of whiskey The distinctness of the region results in has helped. an whiskey tasting experience brimming “Irish whiskey is geographically a in individuality, although Louise concedes protected brand,” she says, “and there it may not be ideal for a biking holiday. has been a massive resurgence in This is just a minor consequence of the its interest. business’ special location which has a “What I’m hoping to do is use this to lasting impact on the maturation of develop and build a regional brand.” its whiskey. The Atlantic corridor has proved to Louise says: “The majority of a whiskey’s be a successful and unique building flavour actually comes from the barrel block towards Chapel Gate Whiskey’s it’s aged in, and the region where that label, and with plans to export more barrel is stored has a huge impact. internationally, the region is reaping “It takes a few years to really know how the rewards. 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.”

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 7 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 A truly global indigenous Irish company, all development and key commercial manufacturing, R&D and key commercial functions are co-located. functions are co-located in the Shannon Free “Since being established in 1988, Zone headquarters. following a Management buyout “Shannon and the AEC have proven to be an from General Electric, our optimum location for our business to grow business has expanded and expand with ready access to a well- organically, and today we rank as educated workforce and excellent transport one of Ireland’s leading electronics logistics by road and air,” says Guinee. companies with annual sales of €200 million, 5 overseas sales “The region offers unrivalled work-life subsidiaries and exporting to 30 balance opportunities and there are excellent countries,” explains Michael choices for living in the axis from Limerick to Guinee, CEO of EI Electronics. Ennis and the villages and towns between.

8 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE 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 region. It is easy to do business from the AEC and with an excellent road network, Dublin is just two hours from Shannon.’’

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 9 WRITING A NEW STORY FOR LIMERICK

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

et-up to present the Treaty City S 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.

10 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE Limerick.ie – is a dynamic window to all key information about life in the resurgent Limerick.

Laura Ryan, Head of Marketing and Indeed the Limerick.ie digital Communications with Limerick City platform is central to building a and County Council explains: “The new ‘Digital Limerick’ by providing site has been designed around its citizens with all information about users so that each can have their the local authority and how to own private log-in and they can access its services. create an individualised profile.” It also acts as the official guide for Limerick.ie is setting the foundation those visiting the city and county for what people can do with the and for people and organisations, platform and what it can do for including inward investors who want them. to do business in or with Limerick. It’s developing personalised services Limerick.ie was launched in April in an integrated way so that 2017 and was followed by an Limerick can develop the digital city extensive marketing campaign. experience for years to come. Since then it has become a multi- Ryan says: “With Limerick’s award-winning platform. More than economic renaissance already 800,000 unique visitors visited anchoring the Mid-West as Ireland’s Limerick.ie in 2017 alone. 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.”

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 11 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

t fosters one of the most progressive I 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.

12 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE Learners choose to study with LYIT because of our unique ethos that combines academic excellence with career-focused practical experience.

In addition to world class graduates CoLab LYIT’s campus LYIT also supports the development of Incubation and Research the North West City Region’s economy Centre has supported through Research and Innovation 150 high potential initiatives including partnering with entrepreneurs successfully businesses on Enterprise Ireland. launch their businesses LYIT has recently been successful in over the last decade. funded research projects with a range LYIT also supports Tech of partners including an EU Horizon NorthWest Skillnet a network 2020 funded Ocean Energy project in of 80 technology-based member association with University College companies based in Donegal, and US company Ocean Renewable Sligo and Leitrim. Power Corporation. Tech NorthWest provides And an Interreg VA funded Personalised subsidised training and Medicine project in association with networking opportunities for Ulster University, Letterkenny General members focused on improving Hospital, CTRIC and Altnagelvin Hospital business competitiveness and Derry and many industry partners. enhancing innovation.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 13 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

n the space of 16 years, I 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.

14 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE 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.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 15 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

ust like the Wild Atlantic Way, J 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.

16 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE 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.”

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 17 TAKE-OFF FOR A VITAL ATLANTIC HUB

Ireland West Airport is looking forward to a bright future

18 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE We wish to acknowledge Government’s recognition of the airport as one of the four main airports’ in the country.

t’s the regional airport that just keeps on Its further strengthened by the support of seven Igrowing and it fuels the development of the local authorities in the West and North West economy along the Atlantic Economic Corridor. which recently invested €7.3 million in return for Ireland West Airport now provides connectivity a 17.5 percent shareholding in the airport with to over 20 destinations across the UK and the objectives of collaboration and expanding Europe, offering the biggest selection of the route network, increasing passenger services to the UK from the West and North numbers, tourism bed nights and visitors to the West of Ireland. region over the next decade. Joe Gilmore, Chief Executive, explains: “Our “We wish to acknowledge Government’s location as the most westerly airport in the recognition of the airport as one of the four country and our accessibility to the Atlantic main airports’ in the country and its position corridor and Wild Atlantic Way is highlighted as a critical driver of economic and tourism by the fact that over 250,000 overseas visitors development for the West and North West of came through the airport in 2017 to access the Ireland. We also are pleased that the National region, generating an economic contribution of Planning Framework highlights the Atlantic over €140million annually for the region.” Economic Corridor initiative and recognises the significant role of Ireland West Airport in Indeed, 2017 was a record breaking year for the tourism and enterprise development,” adds Joe. 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.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 19 ATLANTIC CORRIDOR’S DEEP HISTORY PRESERVED IN TUBBERCURRY

Dutch couple reap rewards of historic region to establish conservation business

life changes when one moves country And as Benjamin and Ineke also now run their A and the decision to do so must not be own Airbnb, they are also reaping the rewards taken lightly. of the West’s growing tourism market. But so was the pull of the Atlantic lifestyle “We do have tourists coming for that Dutchman Benjamin van den Wetering accommodation,” said Benjamin. “I would and his wife Ineke Scholte, made the big say Airbnb creates a lot of traction for our move to the Ox Mountains of Tubbercurry at book binding business as these people often the turn of the millennium. buy some of our books, but we are aware It is here that their company ‘The that what we do is pioneering in the area.” Ox Bindery’ now offers Institute of He added: “Working in the west is rewarding Conservators-Restorers in Ireland (ICRI) and we get a lot of work done because accredited conservation services to public of its quiet, the peace it offers and its low and private clients. overhead costs.” Some might say the west coast and the The company recently took part in a project artistic couple are a faultless match. funded by the Heritage Council under the Benjamin, a former art school student, National Lottery good causes fund. has also studied hand bookbinding and The Ox Bindery expertly conserved various subsequently book and paper conservation raw materials such as account books from in the Netherlands. an historic family boat yard. Sligo is of course notable for its rich history, The notebooks are now in the care of Sligo particularly in literature. County Council Local Studies and Archives So when Benjamin, who comes from a Section. family of craftworkers, took an interest in the With the history of the Atlantic corridor origins and craft of books it was written in being written every day, its preservation the stars that he settle in the north west. is in the finest hands at Ox Bindery.

20 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE 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.

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 21 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.

22 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie 23 RURAL BASE – GLOBAL REACH

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

The culture, language, enterprise and Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Micheál Ó hÉanaigh innovation of Ireland’s Gaeltacht areas is passionate about the opportunities that can along the picturesque western coast of the be developed into the future. Atlantic Economic Corridor ensures they “Our strategy is underpinned by two over- are vibrant and unique locations in which arching themes: the Irish Language and to live, work, visit or set up a business. Innovation and Enterprise. We encourage Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional and attract investment in the Gaeltacht development authority funded by through a range of financial and non- the Irish Government to promote financial incentives for new and existing the economic, social and cultural enterprises to start up, scale or grow. development of the Gaeltacht regions. Through strategic projects and targeted The overall objective of Údarás na objectives we support businesses in Gaeltachta is to ensure that the Irish developing new markets, technologies, language remains the main communal products and strategic alliances through language of the Gaeltacht and is passed research and development. Gaeltacht on to future generations. 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.”

24 START & GROW INVEST VISIT LIVE To find out more about how you can get involved in the future success of the Atlantic Economic Corridor visit www.atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie

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 living 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. ATLANTIC ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

visit: atlanticeconomiccorridor.ie