People and Talent
Carlow offers companies and investors a skill base rich in creative and ambitious DNA.
Carlow has a fast-growing, highly educated, and distinctively young population, together with an experienced workforce with deep skills across a wide range of sectors.
Strong history of nourishing and harnessing entrepreneurs and new business start-ups, translating this spirit into jobs that support the local economy and workforce.
Carlow County Council has set out a clear strategy for the growth of innovation and knowledge to continue developing Carlow’s workforce with the skills required for the workforce of the future.
Education
Carlow is a strong student county providing university education that meets the needs of a competitive growing economy.
Carlow has two third-level institutions – Carlow College and the recently upgraded Technological University for the South East, which provide access to an educated student population of over 20,000 students across a range of disciplines up to PhD. Level.
These institutions are further supported by the institute of future education which has an additional student body of 8,000 with more of a focus on apprenticeships and practical training.
Synergy opportunities exist between the Town’s colleges and existing and future manufacturing-related companies to develop niche technologies and create a centre of excellence in the field of emerging construction technologies.
Commercial Property
Whether looking to start up or expand, Carlow offers a range of property opportunities for businesses.
Rental and purchase prices offer greater value than in larger cities. Good availability of property to rent or buy within the county across the office, retail, industrial and development opportunities. As of February 2022, there were just under 15 acres of development land for sale with just under 130,000 sq ft of office space available to rent on daft.ie
Flexible workplace offerings are growing with a choice of three town centre-based shared office hubs and an additional three on offer around the county.
Three Retail and eight Business Parks are currently in operation throughout Carlow.
A large number of estate agents & property advisors specialising in commercial spaces & buildings for new start-ups & expanding companies.
Infrastructure & Transport
Carlow’s geographical location as the “Gateway to the South” is well-positioned to attract businesses in the areas of innovation and manufacturing
Carlow is home to leaders in Technology and Innovation, Engineering, internationally traded services, Retail Enterprises and a growing Pharmaceutical industry with MSD who one of the largest employers in the town.
Carlow has a number of defined and collaborative strategic plans which will focus on delivering economic investment, developing skills and innovation capacity in an environmentally sustainable and resilient prosperous town.
Carlow enjoys easy access to airports and ports of Dublin and Waterford along the M9 motorway with an approximate drive time of 1 hour 20 minutes.
Well served by regional bus routes with 13 daily services from JJ Kavanaghs Dublin to Waterford route and Bus Eireann Expressway 4 & 4a serving Dublin Airport. The provision of a Carlow Town bus service is supported by the Public Transport Authority and this will increase linkages with educational, transport and public amenity features.
Work-Life Balance
Quality of life is high on the agenda in Carlow.
Carlow offers an excellent quality of life, with affordable living costs, superior housing for purchase or rental, and relative ease of commuting. It has a range of public amenities and recreational facilities making it a great place to live and work.
Carlow is a centre for the arts and cultural heritage, accommodating significant modern arts and performance spaces such as VISUAL as well as hosting renowned events such as the Carlow Arts Festival.
Carlow Project 2040 is an ambitious regenerative plan for the county designed to create an environment where residents and visitors have access to a variety of services, which include world-class artistic and cultural spaces, traditional social infrastructure, quality parks, and walks. Health and wellbeing is a priority focus of this strategic plan.