The West of Ireland boasts some of the most exciting global career opportunities in the world, coupled with a unique opportunity to live in communities offering a sense of belonging, a place to raise a family and find a more balanced pace of life. That’s according to a new campaign called ‘Local Living, Global Opportunities’ being launched today by the Western Development Commission.
Building on the success of their last campaign More To Life, the WDC is highlighting the array of mid to senior level roles available across a range of sectors along the Atlantic Coast and the opportunity to scale business from a region ready and waiting to support. Highlighting their 78m Evergreen Western Investment Fund and over 100 Connected Hubs across the region, the WDC says there has never been a better time to find a global career, scale your business or work from one of the most connected regions in the world.
The agency, which is tasked with supporting economic and social development in the West plans to work with key stakeholders including County Councils, partner agencies and employers throughout 2023 to highlight open roles and the opportunities for those looking for the next move in their career. In a post pandemic world, global trends including those with the ability to work remotely, and those looking for more space, the agency believe it’s critical we come together and become one voice on a global stage.
Allan Mulrooney, Interim CEO of the Western Development Commission, commented:
The importance of 'place' is critical in today's working world, and the West of Ireland offers a sense of warmth and being part of a community that is hard to find elsewhere. But it's not just about the lifestyle benefits - the opportunity to now grow a career here across multiple sectors, working with both our large indigenous and FDI businesses, is more tangible than ever. Moreover, the emerging opportunities for small towns to attract more remote workers, along with the availability of connected hubs and the growth of small businesses, both relocating and new start-ups, aligns with the region's innate competitive advantages.
This first piece of content coincides with the launch of Donegal County Council’s new campaign ‘Donegal Is Calling’, highlighting the county’s vibrant culture, modern infrastructure and world-renowned scenery which makes for the perfect remote working location.
Speaking about the launch of the ‘Donegal is Calling Campaign’, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Liam Blaney said
“Donegal County Council are extremely proud of the Donegal is Calling relocation campaign that has seen us reach more than 3 million people across the globe so far. To be one of the first local authorities to run a relocation campaign like this has been a great success for Donegal, and to see the interest in the region has been both encouraging and greatly welcomed.”
Karen Sweeney, Interim Head of Communications of the Western Development Commission said
“This first video from our new Local Living, Global Opportunities campaign tells the story of a woman who grew up in Donegal and had a real connection to the landscape, people and place. She travelled for work and adventure, eventually relocating to her home in County Donegal to start a family and grow her career. The video highlights the magic and simplicity of local living whilst still availing of global opportunities from your home place”.
The WDC co-hosted a sold out event, North West in the City at Dublin’s Westbury Hotel in February. This collaboration with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland under the Northwest Regional Enterprise Plan highlighted open roles and opportunities across Industries including Biopharma, MedTech, Advanced Manufacturing, Technology and International Financial Services. Many of these roles are already live on a new platform launched last year by the WDC called Westernjobs.ie. The platform which is free to use for both employers and employees also allows key agencies and stakeholders to download daily reports and get up to date data on the numbers of professionals looking to move West. Almost 500 employers have signed up to the platform to promote their jobs and WDC encourages any employers that its recruiting to use the free service to promote opportunities.
Alongside some of the key industries, the new campaign will also highlight global opportunities in sporting bodies, the education sector and the start-up community. Partnering with Connacht Rugby, the WDC will tell the story of Andy Friend, Paul Boyle and others where we get an insight not only into their life at the club, but the difference the community in the West has made to them along the way.
