Interview: Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council

Kerry: A Stunning Place to Work

Quality of life, the availability of a skilled workforce, ease of access, fiber-based broadband and government incentives combine to provide a positive business environment

How are Ireland’s rural regions developing?

There currently is a strong national focus on the development of Ireland’s regions and their improved interconnectivity. Kerry increasingly possesses excellent infrastructure. Broadband connectivity is extraordinary with Tralee and other centers now offering 1GB broadband services. We have three airports in the area including Kerry Airport which is small, but offers important links for businesses and American FDI.

How is Kerry fomenting innovation?

Kerry has a strong innovation track record and offers companies access to a student population of 53,000 across five universities and institutes of technology within two hours. Tralee Institute of Technology in Kerry is home to: IMaR, the Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID Gateway Research Center which partners with industries to deliver Internet of Things solutions; Shannon ABC, which collaborates with biotech and life science industries to explore natural products with novel bioactive substances; and Kerry ETB, which delivers training programs to meet the needs of industry through apprenticeships.

As a local government, we have come together alongside the private sector to create a high-end innovation and research center with the capacity to house global headquarters, in the town of Killarney. It is becoming a global center in the heart of the county. There is a real enthusiasm within the county on how this model can benefit all stakeholders in the region.

Kerry has a successful track record in hosting global companies assisted by proactive business-friendly support agencies and colleges responsive to business needs as they arise. This combination fosters innovation.

What benefits do companies find in Kerry?

The business ecosystem in Kerry is strong, and there is an exceptionally strong innate relationship between government, business and education. Companies coming to Kerry find affordable housing, easy access to childcare, and an exceptionally high quality of life. Kerry offers extremely competitive real estate options for all business requirements including industrial zoned land banks, business parks as well as flexible space for new arrivals.

How would you like to further develop the tourism sector in Kerry?

Tourism is a huge economic driver for Kerry County with large numbers visiting The Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, The Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, and Killarney. Kerry is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

Only 10% of our tourism is business tourism, so we are heavily targeting the development of this segment at the moment. Killarney Convention Center is Ireland’s largest international conference and events venue outside of Dublin. It has successfully hosted events ranging in size from 25 to 2,500 delegates and is one of Ireland’s best managed organizations. It has a 2,500 tiered seat INEC auditorium, includes 500 guest bedrooms on site and can avail an additional 2,000 bedrooms within walking distance of the venue. It is an ideal site for trade shows, conferences and MICE events.

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