Ireland's North West City Region - Promotional Brochure

IRELAND’S NORTH
WEST CITY REGION
A CONNECTED REGION WHERE
COLLABORATION EMPOWERS BUSINESS
IRELANDNW.COM

CONTENTS
2 PREFACE
3 BORDERLESS CONNECTIONS
4 A SUPER CONNECTED GATEWAY
TALENT
5 TALENT & INNOVATION
6 WORLD LEADING EDUCATION
LOCATION
7 COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
8 CLUSTERS/GROWTH SECTORS
9 AFFORDABLE LIVING ADVANTAGE
10 LIVING HERE
11 QUALITY OF LIFE
PARTNERSHIP
13 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
15 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
17 SOFT LANDING
in conjunction with and supported by the Government of Ireland
and The Executive Office (Northern Ireland)
1 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

PREFACE
WELCOME TO IRELAND’S NORTH WEST CITY REGION
Centered around the dynamic Derry-Letterkenny City Region, Ireland North
West stands as a premier investment hub for global businesses looking to
access both UK and EU markets. The North West City Region (NWCR) comprises
Donegal County Council Area and Derry City and Strabane District Council Area.
The region, with a combined population of 317,840, is the fourth largest urban
cluster on the island of Ireland. With its thriving business environment, ease
of doing business, and abundant talent pool, our region offers an exciting
proposition for investment and growth.
As a cross-border region with a unique strategic location, Ireland North West
provides businesses with unparalleled stability and options, making it the
location of choice for establishing and expanding operations. Investors can rely
on the region’s strong foundation, firmly rooted in both the UK and EU, to make
informed and secure decisions for the future.
JOHN KELPIE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE DERRY
CITY AND STRABANE
DISTRICT COUNCIL
The North West City Region is not just accessible and well-connected; it is
also renowned for its business-friendly environment and robust support for
relocation or expansion. Our world-class education system guarantees a highcaliber
talent pipeline, producing a workforce that is not only highly educated
but also innovative, creative, and loyal.
The region’s track record speaks for itself, with international companies like
Vertiv, Tata Consultancy Services, AXA, Fujitsu, RANDOX, FinTrU, Seagate,
DuPont, Optum, Zeus, Abbott, OneSource Virtual, Allstate, and Terex Corporation
already thriving here. These companies are gaining competitive advantages by
operating in Ireland North West, reaping the benefits of our strategic location
and supportive ecosystem.
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
DONEGAL COUNTY
COUNCIL
What sets Ireland North West apart is the strength of its partnerships. A
collaborative approach with government and local stakeholders ensures your
company receives the support it needs to grow and integrate successfully into
the business community. Our unique location, talented workforce, and special
partnership arrangements, combined with significant cost and quality-of-life
benefits, make Ireland North West a clear and compelling choice for investment.
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
2

BORDERLESS CONNECTIONS
IRELAND’S NORTH WEST CITY REGION: WHERE OPPORTUNITY AWAITS
With its strategic position, the North West City Region offers diverse and a competitive edge for investors.
As the only cross-border city region that serves as a gateway to UK, Ireland and EU markets, our strategic
setting offers unparalleled access and opportunity. A prime geographic time advantage also enables seamless
business operations across multiple time zones, from the Americas to Europe and beyond.
Ireland’s North West City Region is the only region
sharing a border with the EU and UK
Donegal Airport, City of Derry Airport
1 hour flight time to London
2 hour flight to European destinations
Direct rail link to Belfast with
onward connections to Dublin
2 x International Airports with flight connections
to over 200 global destinations, 40 countries,
17 US destinations and 5 continents
First-rate road network with minimal levels of
congestion; most of Europe reachable within
24/48 hours
Direct flights to USA with United States border
preclearance. Time saved at the airport allows
business travellers to focus on work, boosting
overall productivity
DEEP SEA PORT
REGIONAL AIRPORT
LETTERKENNY
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
STRABANE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DONEGAL
BELFAST
KNOCK
GALWAY
DUBLIN
3 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

A SUPER CONNECTED GATEWAY
CANADA
USA
PROJECT KELVIN
EUROPE
We are “digitally” closer to the East Coast
of North America than California
Established LPWAN (Lorawan) IoT network offering
access for R&D, experimentation, prototyping and
scaling sensor-based solutions
Our digital infrastructure makes us one of the most
accessible destinations in the world. Teams across
different time zones can work together effectively, sharing
information and coordinating projects in real-time
Among the fastest North American connections from
Western Europe, with low-latency connections to major
North American cities including New York and Chicago
Offers services up to 100G per wavelength to support highbandwidth
applications such as video conferencing, large
file transfers, and cloud-based services
Protected services offering 99.999% availability minimises
downtime and ensures consistent access to critical
applications and data
A 67-millisecond connection to Manhattan,
ensuring high-speed and efficient data transmission.
Awarded 1ST place for remote working in NI and 4th
in UK (Uswitch.com Remote working index 2022)
97% superfast broadband availability
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
4

TALENT & INNOVATION ECONOMY
Our close cross-border partnership between civic, educational, and commercial sectors ensures the seamless
acquisition of top talent. A collaborative approach between institutions guarantees potential employees are equipped
with the skills needed and fully prepared for the workforce.
“The availability of highly
skilled and educated people, the
favourable business environment
and strong national support
had played a large factor in
the decision to locate the new
operation in Letterkenny”
- ZEUS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
TALENTED REGION
• Top performing schools; the best performing education system for primary
maths in Europe and 6th best in world
• UNESCO Learning City with lifelong learning placed at heart of system
• 31% of the population educated to degree level
• Access to six 3rd level institutions across the wider North West City Region:
Ulster University (Derry/Londonderry campus); Ulster University (Coleraine
Campus); North West Regional College; Atlantic Technological University; Donegal
ETB, Northern Regional College (Coleraine); South West College (Omagh)
“Derry was not the only location
we considered for this facility’ ,
but it came out on top when we
realised the quality of the local
workforce, the cost-competitive
business environment and the
ease with which we can establish
links and work with colleges
and universities to support our
research and development plans”
- PHILIP O’ DOHERTY
Managing Director Vertiv
5 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH
LABOUR
POOL
• Smart cities and Industry 4.0 need
“smart” people and our youthful
population (35% under 25 years
old) are among the most educated
in Europe
• Strong staff retention rates across
all major growth sectors ensuring
reduced recruitment and training
costs; increased productivity and
improved operational stability
• Fresh talent pool and strong local
skill base with competitive cost
dynamics
• NW DEPTH €10 million investment
to serve 2,000+ participants across
digital and cybersecurity upskilling
in the region.
• €9.8 million investment in Green
Accelerator Skills Programme
(GRASP)
TALENT
PIPELINE
• Almost a third (31%) of the
population educated to degree level
• Approximately 7,000 graduates
annually ready for employment
• Approximately 40,000 students
enrolled across the 3rd level
further/higher education colleges
• Pipeline of migration to Ireland
North West from EU and non-EU
countries
• Strong technical Universities and
Institutes with track record in
development of industry tailored
graduates
• Large international diaspora who
can be targeted for recruitment,
keen to return to the North West
for the lower cost of living and high
quality of life

WORLD LEADING EDUCATION
ULSTER UNIVERSITY
(DERRY/LONDONDERRY CAMPUS)
• Top 10% of UK universities for outstanding (4*) or very
considerable (3*) research impact
• 97% of research judged as having ‘outstanding’ or ‘very
considerable impacts’ in reach and significance
• 97% of research environment judged as being conducive to
producing research of world-leading, internationally excellent
quality and enabling outstanding impact
• 80.1% of research outputs assessed as ‘world-leading’ or
‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2021)
• Home to Smart Manufacturing Data Hub
• 1st UK & Ireland University of the Year 2024 by Times Higher
Education (THE).
“At Ulster University we are committed to creating an
environment which supports, promotes and enables
research excellence. Over 96% of our research environment
has been assessed as conducive to producing research
of world-leading and internationally excellent quality and
empowering outstanding impact. This entirely reflects
the quality, commitment, and leadership of our research
community, our investment in research, our worldwide
contribution, and the strength of our partnerships and
collaborations.”
LIAM MAGUIRE,
Pro Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation
NORTH WEST
REGIONAL COLLEGE
• Leading provider of vocational courses and foundation degrees
• Dedicated business support centre
• 25+ global partner institutions
• Home to centres of excellence in health and social care
innovation; engineering and product design; food development
& industry 4.0 automation and robotics
“I have met with the colleges and university, and numerous
students, and have been impressed. I am confident that this
is the right place to set up our business and find the talent
we need.”
JOHN HARKIN,
Director and Founder of Alchemy
ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL
UNIVERSITY
• One of the largest multi-campus technological universities on
the island of Ireland with nine campuses and four faculties
• ATU offers 600+ Programmes - 75% undergraduate and 25%
postgraduate
• In the academic year 2023/2024, ATU educated 26,692
Students comprised of 5,389 online, 1,683 apprentices, 2,162
international, 30% from alternative access routes and 16%
disadvantage
• Strong focus on applied research for industry in areas like
sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, marine and
coastal studies, and health and social care
• 4,000 + students from across the island
• 50+ global partner institutions
• Growing international student base
• Over 65% of undergraduate programmes offer work placement
opportunities
DONEGAL ETB
• Donegal ETB (Education and Training Board), had over 35,000
students in 2023 across all provisions (FET (further education
and training)), schools, outdoor and music). Over 19,000
of these were FET students and almost 1,800 came from
apprenticeships, evening classes, specific skills training,
specialist training, and traineeships
“Donegal ETB is excited by the continued growth of
apprenticeships, both locally and nationally. We believe
that there is now a greater realisation amongst students,
employers, teachers, and parents as to the value of
apprenticeships which has, in turn, led to a significant
increase in registrations. We are delighted to be working in
collaboration with our colleagues in ATU to help provide an
enhanced apprenticeship service for Donegal.”
VINNY MCGROARY,
Area Training Manager with Donegal ETB
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
6

PRIME LOCATION:
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
A region distinguished by a highly educated and skilled workforce, coupled
with a pro-business environment and a local government dedicated to
driving regional economic growth
The North West City Region has earned an international reputation as a high-quality, costcompetitive
location, offering a highly educated and skilled workforce within a pro-business
environment. Supported by a local government committed to economic growth, the region has
seen over 7,000 jobs created through foreign direct investment and the expansion of existing
companies between 2015 and 2025. With company registration taking just 24 hours, now is the
ideal time to invest.
OFFICE COSTS (PRICE £ / € PER SQUARE FOOT, Q2 2025)
£18.61 / €21.19
“OneSource Virtual set up in
Derry despite fierce competition
from other cities. By establishing
our European operations here,
we are in a stronger position
to target opportunities within
the UK and Europe and expand
sales and ensure future business
growth.”
OneSource Virtual – IT
+5%
+6%
+8%
+51%
+53%
+59%
+53%
£57.35 / €66.00
£175 / €199.19
“Our highly talented team at
the Letterkenny centre has
seamlessly integrated with our
global delivery network, winning
assignments from clients all
over the world across multiple
industry segments and driving
our business expansion.”
Deepak Chaudhari,
Country Head for TCS Ireland
12.5%
CORPORATION TAX IS LOWEST
IN WESTERN EUROPE
OPERATING COSTS ARE AMONG
THE MOST COMPETITIVE IN EUROPE
9.7%
AVERAGE LEVELS OF STAFF
TURNOVER ACROSS ALL KEY
GROWTH SECTORS (IBEC HR REPORT 2024)
GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE WITH
TIME ZONE CENTRALLY LOCATED
BETWEEN MAJOR GLOBAL MARKETS
DUAL MARKET ACCESS TO BOTH
THE EU SINGLE MARKET AND THE UK
7 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

LOCATION:
CLUSTERS/GROWTH SECTORS
LOCATION:
INNOVATION CLUSTERS & KEY SECTORS
For informed global investors, this region offers a highly skilled
and educated talent pipeline that enhances the competitive edge
of international businesses already established here. Ireland North
West excels across multiple sectors, with specialized clusters
in areas such as educational technology, software development,
mechanical engineering and materials handling.
75%
OF INVESTORS RE-INVEST
BUSINESS FINANCE &
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
COMPANIES NUMBER: 330
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Accountancy, Law/Legal Practice, Business
Process Outsourcing, Shared Service Centres,
Back and Middle Office, Cyber Security.
LIFE & HEALTH
SCIENCES
COMPANIES NUMBER: 30
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Personalised Medicine, Data Analytics,
Drug Trial & Development.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
& ENGINEERING
COMPANIES NUMBER: 245
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Automation Technology, Agricultural –
Machinery, Quarry/Mining Machinery, Materials
Handling, Print & Packaging, Mechanical
Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Precision
Engineering & Fabrication, Industry 4.0 &
Automation, Cleantech
BLUE ECONOMY
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Commercial Fishing, Fish Processing, Ship Building
& Marine Engineering, Aquaculture, Renewable Energy,
Marine & Coastal Tourism
DIGITAL AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
COMPANIES NUMBER: 100
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
EdTech, FinTech, RegTech, InsurTech, E-Learning, App & Software
Development, Enterprise Software, Digital Media & Entertainment-
Commerce & Marketplace, Social Networks, Cyber-Security
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
8

LOCATION:
AFFORDABLE LIVING ADVANTAGE
The North West City Region is among the most affordable regions on the island of Ireland and in the UK, with
significantly lower costs for living essentials such as housing, travel, food and drink and entertainment.
BENEFITS OF LOWER COST OF LIVING
INCREASED DISPOSABLE INCOME:
Employees can enjoy a higher standard of living as their salaries stretch
further, allowing them to save more or spend on personal interests
IMPROVED WORK-LIFE BALANCE:
With affordable accommodation, transportation and services, employees can
reduce financial stress, leading to a better quality of life and overall well-being
ATTRACTIVENESS AS AN EMPLOYER:
Potential talent can achieve greater financial stability and security without
needing high salaries
ENHANCED RETENTION AND SATISFACTION:
Employees are more likely to remain with a company if they experience
financial comfort, boosting retention rates and job satisfaction
9 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

LOCATION:
LIVING HERE
From characterful period properties to modern new developments, urban apartments to country homes, there is a
wide array of housing options available throughout the region. Ireland North West also offers cheaper house prices
and rents compared to other cities, ensuring greater take-home pay and happier employees
AVERAGE RENT
(CITY CENTRE APARTMENT)
% DIFFERENCE WITH IRELAND NORTH WEST
HOUSE PRICES ARE JUST
4.4 TIMES THE AVERAGE
LOCAL WAGE
DUBLIN 188.1%
BELFAST 40.1%
LIMERICK 108.7%
CORK 112.2%
MANCHESTER 91.8%
LIVERPOOL 49.4%
GLASGOW 57.6%
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE $ (US 2025)
$224,678
(DERRY CITY AND STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL)
$249,195
(DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL)
EDINBURGH 82%
LONDON CITY 265.9%
“With the bonds of friendship that we have established with various people who live in the area, and the
kids being very settled and moving towards the end of secondary school, we decided that we would be very
happy living here for the long term. For the price of a three-bed semi-detached house in Dublin we’ve been
able to buy a large new house with a big garden and lots of space for pets and gardening”
- JOON DURANT
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
10

LOCATION:
QUALITY OF LIFE
With a stunning 1,235km coastline where the Wild Atlantic Way connects to the Causeway Coastal Route, the North
West City Region boasts numerous sandy Blue Flag beaches. Whether you prefer expansive panoramas or secluded
coves, there are countless options to explore. Paired with offshore islands, renowned surfing spots, and world-class
golf courses, Ireland North West offers the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a busy day at work.
14 X AWARD WINNING BLUE
FLAG BEACHES
HOME TO INTERNATIONAL
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
(NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER,
THE COOL LIST 17 FOR 2017)
WORLD-CLASS GOLF
LINKS COURSES
BEST HALLOWEEN
DESTINATION IN THE WORLD
(USA TODAY)
IRELAND
NORTH WEST
WORLD FAMOUS
SURFING SPOTS
CITY WALLS LISTED AS 1 OF THE
WORLD’S 1001 HISTORIC SITES
YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE
(UNESCO)
HOME TO THE IRISH OPEN
11 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

LOCATION:
QUALITY OF LIFE
A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE
With more than 100km of traffic-free
cycle paths and greenways
AVERAGE COMMUTE
IN MINUTE BY CAR
DUBLIN
BELFAST
65
80
THE ATTRACTION CURRENCY OF
RETURNING TO THE NORTH WEST
With a much lower cost of living and improved
quality of life is often a key factor in the job offer
and acceptance process when sourcing talent in
competitive sectors.
LIMERICK
CORK
MANCHESTER
LIVERPOOL
GLASGOW
EDINBURGH
LONDON CITY
IRELAND NW
75
40
89
40
55
60
90
23
FRIENDLIEST & HAPPIEST
PEOPLE IN THE UK & IRELAND
Office of National Statistics (ONS) 2017-2018
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
12

PARTNERSHIP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Our business support partners, along with our world-leading innovation and centres of excellence in AI and Robotics,
Life Sciences, Data Analytics, RegTech and Precision Medicine, are ready to offer the tailored assistance your
company needs to stay ahead of the competition.
DIGITAL AND CREATIVE
TECHNOLOGIES
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
& ENGINEERING
WISAR LAB
• State of the art RF lab to support research and development
• Expertise in wireless tech, embedded systems, power
electronics and Body Area Networks (BAN) the application of
WSNs in buildings
VIRTUAL & AUGMENTED REALITY CENTRE
• A multidisciplinary team of specialists work with start-ups
and SMEs across the region to explore the development and
application of virtual and augmented reality throughout a
range of innovative applications
LEGAL INNOVATION CENTRE
• Promotes and supports the use of technology in legal services
• Education and training on emerging legal technologies
ALPHA INNOVATION
• ALPHA Innovation works to increase the innovation maturity of
young people, entrepreneurs, scaleups and SMEs in the North
West City Region, while also showcasing the region as a great
place to set up, grow and scale a business. They offer unique
interventions to guide entrepreneurs and businesses forward
through key stages of their journey
NORTH WEST REGTECH SUPERCLUSTER
• This all-island national institute will work across sectors,
regulators and borders to become a recognised world leader
in regulatory technology with a focus on ESG and AI
• The Supercluster will bring together industry, academics and
public bodies to drive world-class research and innovation
13 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH
SMART MANUFACTURING DATA HUB
• Advanced facility designed to revolutionise the manufacturing
sector through data-driven innovation
• A central point for collecting, analysing and leveraging data
to enhance manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and
drive technological advancements by integrating cutting-edge
technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning.
THE NORTH WEST CENTRE FOR
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (NWCAM)
• Dynamic manufacturing hub dedicated to cutting-edge
technology and research. It focuses on integrating advanced
manufacturing techniques, such as automation and digital
technologies, to boost industry efficiency and innovation
FOODOVATION
• A centre of excellence for food development and menu
development, packaging design and food labelling, HACCP
(hazard analysis) and food safety
PRODUCT DESIGN CENTRE
• Ideas generation, concept and prototype development
• Access to rapid prototypes, 3D printers, 2D & 3D designs
• Finite Element Analysis, Design for Manufacture and Assembly,
and Fluid Dynamic Analysis
CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING
AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (CERE)
• Worked with Boeing, Bombardier, Airbus & Terex
• Expertise in: Engineering, renewable energy, mechanical,
manufacturing, electrical and electronic engineering and
cognitive analytics
SPEAR CENTRE (SEMICONDUCTOR PHOTONICS
EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTRE)
• €8.46 million investment into R&D
• Training the next generation of PhD researchers in areas
such as photonics, artificial intelligence (AI),
semiconductor technologies.

PARTNERSHIP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
& ROBOTICS
LIFE & HEALTH SCIENCES
CENTRE FOR INDUSTRY DIGITALISATION,
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION (CIDRA)
• Focuses on research, development and demonstration
of the integration of five key technologies - AI, industrial
digitalisation, robotics, automation and Industrial IOT
• Flexible, reconfigurable demonstration test-beds to encourage
and support uptake of industrial digitalisation technologies
COGNITIVE ANALYTICS RESEARCH LAB (CARL)
• Global leader in data analytics research
• World-class academics and an innovative research team
responding dynamically to the real-world needs of data
analytics
• Application of research in cognitive analytics across a range
of sectors: Health, FinTech, advanced manufacturing, media,
energy, civic society and public policy
INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS RESEARCH CENTRE (ISRC)
• Dedicated to the creation of intelligent computational systems
• Home to one of only 170 active MEG labs worldwide
• Areas of expertise include Neuro-engineering, brain computer
interfacing, cognitive robotics, wireless systems, AI and VR
I4.0 CENTRE
• A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to driving innovation and
excellence in Industry 4.0 technologies
• Focuses on integrating advanced digital technologies such
as IoT, artificial intelligence and robotics into manufacturing
processes
C-TRIC
• Unique facility promoting and facilitating translational
& clinical research
• One of two centres in UK
• Areas of expertise include Clinical assessment of medical
devices, research ethics and governance, patient recruitment
and sample collection for studies
• Home to NI Centre for Stratified Medicine
DIAL
• Specialises in dementia and end of life care
• Industry healthcare product demos
• Continuing professional development for healthcare staff
PERSONALISED MEDICINE CENTRE
• Focuses on tailored medical treatments and interventions.
Leverages advancements in genomics, data analytics and
biotechnology to deliver personalised healthcare solutions
• By integrating the latest research and technology, the centre
aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance treatment
precision, and support groundbreaking medical research
ONEHEALTH
• €9.85 million investment into artificial intelligence (AI) and
advanced data-driven tools to integrate and analyse healthrelated
data spanning humans, animals and environment.
NORTH WEST CENTRE FOR ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING 2
• €9.98 million investments into enhancing the competitiveness
of the Life and Health Sciences sector in the North West of
Ireland and Northern Ireland to integrate and accelerate
sustainable manufacturing practices.
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
14

PARTNERSHIP:
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our region has established strong international partnerships globally with the USA, City of London and China.
UNIQUE ECONOMIC
PARTNERSHIPS
WITH CITY OF LONDON
UNIQUE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENTS
WITH KEY MARKETS
ANNUAL TRADE AND
INVESTMENT MISSIONS
FRIENDSHIP
AGREEMENTS
ASIAN COUNTRIES AND
MEMBERSHIP OF ASIA MATTERS
BENEFITS TO BUSINESSES
ACCESS TO KEY ECONOMIC AND
GOVERNMENT DECISION MAKERS
TAILORED B2B MEETINGS
ACCESS TO IN-MARKET
CONSULTANTS AND EXPERTS
EXTENSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE
EXCEPTIONAL NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES
10
RANKED IN TOP TEN ECONOMIES
IN THE WORLD FOR INNOVATION
WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2023
LINKS WITH
EU NETWORKS
SUCH AS NETWORK
IRELAND IN FRANCE
STRONG LINKS
WITH US NETWORKS
SUCH AS THE IABCN (IRISH AMERICAN BUSINESS
CHAMBER AND NETWORK) IN PHILADELPHIA
15 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

PARTNERSHIP:
SOFT LANDING
An expanding network of innovation and digital co-working hubs across the region offering high-speed broadband,
full office suites single offices and shared remote and co-working spaces.
Here, you’ll find a dedicated space to grow your business, meet clients, and collaborate with our world-class
research centres, all while benefiting from strong local government support. With access to cutting-edge research
labs, science parks, and innovation spaces, Ireland North West delivers tailored solutions designed to accelerate your
business growth.
RESEARCH
LABS
SCIENCE
PARKS
INNOVATION AND
DESIGN SPACE
CO-WORKING
HUBS
A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
16

1ST PLACE
FOR REMOTE WORKING IN NI AND 4TH IN
UK (DERRY CITY AND STRABANE COUNCIL,
USWITCH.COM REMOTE WORKING INDEX 2022)
TOP 5
IN THE
TOP FIVE COUNTIES
IN IRELAND FOR REMOTE WORKING
(DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL, VIRGIN MEDIA 2024)
HUB
GTEIC
CO-LAB
II - INISHOWEN
INNOVATION
THE BASE
CATALYST
INNOVATION CENTRE
BEAM CENTRE
BUILDING 104
THE AMP
GROWTH INCUBATOR
NORTH WEST
BUSINESS COMPLEX
HIVE
DESCRIPTION
gteic@Gaoth Dobhair is located in the Údarás na Gaeltachta business park, where the unique Gaeltacht
culture drives creativity and innovation. This state-of-the-art innovation and digital hub is part of the
Gaeltacht Digital Network ecosystem of 31 hubs in Gaeltacht locations countrywide, including six others in
Donegal.
Based on the Letterkenny campus of ATU, Co-Lab began as a business incubation space. It has grown into a
leading ‘innovation ecosystem’ for technology and export start-ups, with a culture of collaboration.
Based in Buncrana and serving the entire Inishowen peninsula and beyond, the facilities at ii are purposely
designed for collaboration. A focus on disruptive digital technologies and business models offers members
world-class growth and scaling opportunities.
Located in Stranorlar at the heart of Donegal, The BASE offers a supportive, friendly and encouraging
environment, regardless of industry or ambition. As a community member you might be based in the centre,
be a start-up entrepreneur, a micro-organisation, or part of the growing remote work community.
Located in Londonderry, the centre is a dynamic hub designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and
entrepreneurship. It serves as a cornerstone for driving technological advancements and supporting
startups, SMEs, and larger companies. The centre offers flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, and stateof-the-art
facilities to nurture growth in sectors including life sciences, digital technologies, and advanced
manufacturing.
The BEAM Centre in Londonderry is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to innovation and advanced
manufacturing technologies. Situated in the Maydown area, it plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth of
businesses in engineering, manufacturing, and related sectors.
Building 104 in Londonderry is a prominent facility within the Ebrington Square development, serving as a
modern office and innovation space for businesses and startups. Building 104 offers flexible office spaces,
high-speed digital connectivity, and collaborative environments that cater to a range of sectors, including
tech, creative industries, and professional services.
A dedicated facility designed to support the growth of early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs across
a range of industries. Located at Ebrington Square, it offers a collaborative and innovation-focused
environment, providing startups and scaling businesses with access to mentoring, business development
services, and networking opportunities.
A vibrant enterprise hub designed to support businesses across various sectors, offering an affordable and
professional environment for growth. The complex provides a range of office spaces, workshops, and light
industrial units, catering to both startups and established companies. Its facilities are equipped with modern
amenities, high-speed internet and meeting rooms, fostering an environment of collaboration and business
development.
The HIVE Coworking Space in Strabane offers a modern, flexible workspace designed for freelancers,
startups, and small businesses looking for an affordable and collaborative environment. Located in the heart
of Strabane town, HIVE provides a range of hot desks, private offices and meeting rooms, all equipped with
high-speed internet and the latest technology to support remote work and business growth.
17 IRELAND NORTH WEST YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH

A REGION OF INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY
18

HOW WE CAN HELP
With a dedicated Business Development and Investment team, we collaborate closely with investment attraction agencies,
educational institutions, local governments and chambers of commerce across two national jurisdictions. Our experience
spans multiple successful projects, and we offer comprehensive support to companies in the following areas:
TALENT RECRUITMENT
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS
BESPOKE SKILLS AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES
to ensure industry-ready talent
CIVIC SUPPORT
through the executive offices of local government
INVESTOR FORUMS
BUSINESS AMBASSADOR AND CONFERENCE ATTRACTION PROGRAMMES
LINKS TO INTERMEDIARIES:
Chambers of commerce and networking organisations
ACADEMIC LINKS:
Connect your company to FE/HE institutions to access cutting-edge innovation and talent
OUR COMMITMENT IS TO PROVIDE THE EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS
INTERESTED IN OUR OPPORTUNITIES?
TALK TO US.
DERRY CITY & STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL
www.investderrystrabane.com
investment@derrystrabane.com
+44 (0) 28 71253253 Ext 6661/6662
@InvestDCSDC
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
www.donegalcoco.ie or www.donegal.ie
economicdevelopment@donegalcoco.ie
+353 (0) 74 91 72363
@donegalcouncil
in conjunction with and supported by the Government of Ireland and The Executive Office (Northern Ireland)
IRELANDNW.COM