“Carlow County Council is delighted to work in partnership with such a wide array of stakeholders to produce Opportunity 2024 a dataset for assistance with driving economic growth and investment in our county,” remarked Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council reflecting on the collaborative efforts behind this initiative. The report is the product of a joint effort by Carlow County Council and its Local Enterprise Office, County Library Services and Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, Carlow County Development Partnership, County Carlow Chamber, Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Business & Tourism, Network Ireland, Carlow College, South East Technological University, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and Carlow Tourism. Together, these organisations have undertaken a groundbreaking commuter study, designed to highlight the skills and experiences of Carlow’s workforce and identify opportunities for growth.
The findings of the study illustrate Carlow’s dynamic workforce and its capacity to meet the needs of diverse industries. With renowned institutions like South East Technological University and Carlow College producing over 60,000 alumni, the county offers an unmatched pipeline of talent. This, coupled with its accessibility, quality of life, and innovation-driven community, makes Carlow an attractive choice for enterprises seeking a strategic base. The study also highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of out-of-county commuters to enhance economic activity and reduce traffic congestion, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Coilín O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, speaking about the study said: “County Carlow stands out as an ideal location for businesses seeking to invest, expand, and thrive. With its robust talent pool, high-calibre workforce, and strong support systems, Carlow is uniquely positioned to act as an economic catalyst, driving innovation and opportunity.” The Opportunity 2024 report underscores the significant opportunities presented by Carlow’s commuter population, many of whom travel to Dublin and other locations for work. These insights pave the way for initiatives such as co-working hubs, hot desking facilities, and infrastructure improvements that could attract businesses and create jobs locally.
Speaking about the development of the report, Stacey Phelan, EU Project Co-ordinator with Carlow County Council said, "Collaborative working has been the cornerstone of developing Opportunity 2024," "By bringing together insights, expertise, and perspectives from a diverse group of stakeholders, we have created a report that not only reflects the strengths of County Carlow but also charts a clear data set for the future development of projects in Carlow. This partnership approach demonstrates the power of collective effort in achieving shared goals and driving meaningful change for our community."
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise, noted the broader vision inspired by this initiative: “This commuter study provides a roadmap for understanding the workforce dynamics that shape County Carlow’s economic vitality. By addressing the needs of our commuters and aligning infrastructure and services with these insights, we can foster a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment for all. Opportunity 2024 is not just a report—it builds the foundation for future funding by having a dynamic understanding of our local communities.”