The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) area, located south of Dublin city, provides an unrivalled environment to do business. Many multinationals have chosen to set up in DLR due to its unique blend of strategic location, exceptional talent, and an unequalled quality of life. DLR delivers unparalleled access to top-tier talent, robust infrastructure, amenities and a pro-business environment, enabling global corporations to thrive. The primary business district in the region, Sandyford Business District, hosts over 1,000 national and multinational companies and 26,000 employees, contributing to Dublin’s position as one of the most attractive European locations for FDI.

Leading Companies and Industries
DLR supports a varied and talented business ecosystem, attracting a wide array of industries, including tech, finance, biopharmaceuticals, professional services and more:

• Microsoft: One Microsoft Place is Microsoft’s flagship premises for its Irish operations, constituting a €134 million investment. This impressive tech campus exemplifies the trust global leaders place in DLR. Microsoft’s commitment to Ireland was further compounded last year when the company announced the addition of 550 new engineering and R&D roles to pioneer the development of new AI technologies, bringing the total number of employees in Ireland to 6,000.
• Bank of America and Mastercard: These key US financial institutions have established a strong presence in the area, leveraging DLR’s strategic location and business-friendly environment to serve their European and global operations. This concentration of financial giants underscores the locale’s reputation as a stable and attractive location for financial services.
• Amgen: DLR is also gaining recognition in the biotechnology sector, with leading companies such as Amgen establishing a presence. Amgen’s state-of-the-art site in Dún Laoghaire is staffed by a talented workforce drawn from DLR’s neighbouring universities. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships with local research institutions such as UCD’s Nibert and APC Cherrywood to foster innovation in their research and development operations.
• Beyond finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown hosts major players in other key sectors. Smurfit Kappa, a global leader in paper-based packaging, and CRH, the prominent international building materials company, benefit from the excellent infrastructure and strategic location. Communications are key to the success of every sector, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is also home to Vodafone, bridging digital divides through developing connectivity infrastructure. This diversity of industries in DLR contributes to its economic resilience, attractiveness for international investment, and continued reinvestment.

Infrastructure and Connectivity
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown also benefits from a well-developed infrastructure, including modern business parks, a reliable power supply, high-speed broadband, and efficient transport links. This robust infrastructure provides crucial support for business operations and ensures efficient connectivity for both domestic and international business. The Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) rail network, multiple bus routes, and the Green Luas light rail service provide convenient commutes and easy access to Dublin city centre and other areas. Its proximity to the N11 road system and M50 motorway ensures efficient connections to national road networks and Dublin Airport.

Workforce and Education
The region also boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, with access to graduates from top-tier institutions like University College Dublin (UCD), which is the largest University in Ireland, and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) and several tertiary educational establishments. Almost half of the population in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown holds a third-level education degree. This ensures a readily available talent pool for specialised roles in various sectors. DLR’s strong educational infrastructure and emphasis on innovation contribute to a highly qualified and adaptable workforce, a significant asset for businesses seeking to thrive in a dynamic global economy.

Liveability
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown offers facilities for an incomparable work-life balance that enhances its appeal for businesses and employees. DLR’s exceptional quality of life not only attracts top global talent but also ensures employee satisfaction and retention, which is critical for multinational success. The area boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the Dublin and Wicklow mountains to its picturesque coastline, featuring beaches like the famous Sandycove strand and Forty Foot swimming cove. Green spaces and heritage sites like Dalkey Castle and Killiney Hill add to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s charm. These natural amenities provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation, contributing to a healthy lifestyle. The county also boasts several leisure, hospitality and tourism activities, including golf courses, Leopardstown racecourse, visitor attractions and culinary establishments throughout the county.

Local Government Support
Adding to its appeal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council actively supports businesses through initiatives, funding, grants and services to foster growth and innovation. This creates a welcoming and business-friendly atmosphere, further enhancing the county’s attractiveness for international investment. The council’s commitment to supporting businesses, coupled with the Irish government’s national pro-business policies, makes DLR an ideal location for companies seeking to establish or expand their operations in a supportive and dynamic environment.