South-West Regional Authority
Key Competitive Attractions
The South West Region is a major industrial and tourism hub, constituting the counties of Cork and Kerry, with a population of 648,000 people.
The regional economy has a dynamic industrial sector, with the European headquarters of many multinational companies located here. A large cluster of pharmaceutical and medical companies is located around the Cork harbour area, and the government is prioritising investments that support the health and educational services.
Over the last ten years, the region has experienced major developments, including new roads, telecommunications and other infrastructure, which has helped make the region the highly developed, knowledge-based economy it is today.
In addition to high-tech industries, tourism is a major sector, due to the region's breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. Ireland is a world-renowned tourist destination, employing 200,000 people with a €5.3 billion turnover (2009). The South-West region has one of the highest volumes of visitors, thanks to its famed Cork City, named among the top 10 best cities in the world by the Lonely Planet Guide. Killarney is also noted for its unique natural beauty, lakes and fishing, making the area not just a tourist hotspot, but also a high quality place to live and work.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
The South West Regional Authority provides a regional tier of government and is responsible for strategic planning in the region. The authority also advises on government investment programmes and oversees and assesses the delivery of the National Development Plan.
