The Western Development Commission (WDC), the State agency responsible for promoting economic and social development across the West and Northwest, is inviting people considering a change in where or how they live and work to explore the opportunities available in the region.
That invitation is at the centre of ‘It’s Happening Here’, a new public awareness campaign showcasing the scale of economic, social and community activity already taking place across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare.
For people considering a change in lifestyle, career or where they build a business, the message is simple: the opportunities they are looking for are already happening in the West and Northwest.
Five themes. One region full of opportunity.
The campaign focuses on five areas – business, community, social enterprise, creativity and flexible working:
- €6.3 billion in exports have been generated by WDC-backed businesses across the West and Northwest.
- Almost one in six people in the region volunteer – 15.9% of the population and above the national average.
- 28% of Ireland’s social enterprises are based in the West and Northwest, a region that is home to 17% of the national population.
- More than 1,400 creative enterprises are active across the region.
- One in three Connected Hubs in Ireland’s national network is based in the West and Northwest.
More than meets the eye.
Speaking about ‘It’s Happening Here’, Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, said:
“The West and Northwest are known for its beauty and quality of life, and those are real strengths. Alongside them is a strong and growing business base, communities with a proud tradition of volunteering, a significant social enterprise and creative sector, and a third of Ireland’s Connected Hubs.
We want people to discover what the West and Northwest has to offer. If you are thinking about a change – whether that is where you live, where you build your career, where you start or grow a business, or how you work – the opportunities are already happening here, and we would welcome you to be part of them
Allan Mulrooney, CEO, WDC
The WDC says the campaign is about showcasing the full range of what the West and Northwest offers and building greater awareness of the region as a place to live, work, invest and do business.
Quality of life remains one of the region’s great strengths, and ‘It’s Happening Here’ highlights the businesses, people, communities and infrastructure that make it possible to build a life and career in the region too.
The public awareness campaign will be rolled out nationally from October to December through outdoor, transport, digital and social media. Businesses, community organisations, local authorities and partners across the West and Northwest are also invited to support the campaign and share its messages through their own networks.
