'Progressive' Portlaoise promoted in new Midlands towns profiles

Portlaoise is being promoted in new snapshot town profiles to attract people and investment to the midlands. To see the rest of the Portlaoise profile tap next or arrow. To read more about the initiative read below this first page.

The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan has launched what it says is comprehensive regional and town Profiles, designed to highlight the Midlands region as the destination of choice for living, working, studying, visiting, and investing.

Using Census 2022 and other sources, the authors say the profiles provide a details of the region's unique strengths, investment opportunities, and quality of life amenities.

The profiles cover the region and five key towns: Athlone, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Tullamore, and Longford, each demonstrating distinctive attributes that make them attractive destinations.

The Portlaoise profile includes details about population, commuting, business and reasons why it is claimed to be a town where people cand live and businesses can grow.

"Portlaoise is a progressive and desirable destination for both businesses and residents who share a vision for
a green future and who have come to recognise all that Portlaoise has to offer as a town for the future," it says.

Each profile focuses on key topics such as demographics, education, regional-based clusters, facilities, property solutions, and state supports, providing a holistic view of what makes the Midlands and its principal towns attractive destinations.

The authors say following insights from the profiles reveal significant growth and potential within the Midlands:

• The population has surged to 324,600, marking an 8.6% increase since the previous census.
• The labour force has expanded by 10.7%, with over 1.1 million workers accessible within a 60-minute commute.
• The region boasts proximity to over 4 million people within a 90-minute radius, emphasising its central location and accessibility to all major Irish cities, airports and ports.
• There has been a 36.1% rise in adults holding third-level or postgraduate qualifications.
• 29% of graduates specialise in STEM, Manufacturing, and Construction fields.
• The Midlands is home to the Technological University of the Shannon, which has the highest graduate employment rate in the country. The region also hosts five research and innovation centres, including Irish Manufacturing Research, the National Construction Training Centre, and the Cube low carbon centre of excellence.

It's claimed that industry clusters thriving in the Midlands include advanced manufacturing, engineering, food & drink, ICT, and life sciences. The profile adds that the region is also a leader in renewable energy production, with significant operations in wind, solar, BESS, and green hydrogen, and a strong future pipeline.

"These profiles are particularly timely as the Midlands has recently been designated by fDi Intelligence and the Financial Times as a European Region of the Future for FDI Strategy. Additionally, the region was the fastest growing in Ireland for FDI jobs growth with the IDA in 2023," said a statement launching the report.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD welcomed the new profiles.

“I am delighted to launch the new Regional and Town Profiles for the Midlands. A key objective of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan is to position the Midlands as a community of choice in which to live, create, study, work, visit and invest, and as someone who lives in the heart of the Midlands, I truly believe we have a great case to make.

“These profiles will serve to promote the region’s value proposition, including its centrality, the existing enterprise base and access to talent, as well as its rich arts, cultural and recreational assets,” he said.

Dr Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, commented on the launch.

"The newly launched Regional and Town Profiles showcase the very best that the Midlands has to offer.

“From our robust educational institutions and cutting-edge research facilities to our thriving industry clusters and renewable energy initiatives, these profiles provide a comprehensive overview of why the Midlands is an ideal destination for investment and living.

"We are excited to highlight the opportunities that make our region a strategic choice for businesses and individuals alike," she said.

Each profile focuses on key topics such as demographics, education, regional-based clusters, facilities, property solutions, and state supports, providing a holistic view of what makes the Midlands and its principal towns attractive destinations.

The launch was attended by Jackie Carroll, Laois Chamber Alliance, Michael Brougham, Enterprise Ireland, Evelyn Reddin, Laois Local Enterprise Office, Simon Walton, Laois County Council, Minister Peter Burke, Emmet Kavanagh, Midlands Ireland, Dr Anne Cusack, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, John Costello, Midlands Regional Skills Forum, Carole Green, IDA Ireland, Ray O’Connor, IDA Ireland, Sarah Morgan, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan.