Swords, a dynamic town strategically situated in North County Dublin, has rapidly emerged as a hotspot for international investment. Its unparalleled connectivity, strategic location, robust talent pool, and thriving ecosystem of multinational companies make it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand globally.

Leading Companies and Diverse Industries
Swords boasts a diverse range of industries, attracting leading companies from across the globe. Key sectors in the area include life sciences, gaming, transport and logistics, construction firms, and a host of homegrown agri-food businesses, making Fingal a key strategic location for food production in Ireland. These companies leverage Swords’ strategic advantages to maximise operational efficiency and growth potential.

• MSD Biotech, a global healthcare leader, operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Swords, employing approximately 500 people. This facility plays a crucial role in MSD’s global supply chain, producing innovative vaccines, including pneumonia and shingles vaccines and medicines for heart and respiratory health, infectious diseases, sun care and women’s health. MSD benefits from Swords’ proximity to Dublin Airport, enabling efficient distribution of its products worldwide.
• Riot Games is a global E-sports giant that has expanded from games to entertainment. The company has a key hub in Airside, Swords, employing approximately 300 people and connecting to offices across Europe, Asia, the USA, South America, and Australia to develop, publish and support player-focused games such as League of Legends and Valorant.
• SK Biotech, a leading Korean biopharmaceutical company, has a growing presence in Swords. SK Biotech’s facility focuses on developing and manufacturing innovative cell and gene therapies, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in medical treatments.
• Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has strategically positioned its headquarters in Airside Retail Park, Swords. This location provides Ryanair with unparalleled access to Dublin Airport, facilitating efficient operations and supporting the airline’s extensive network of routes.
• Ardmac is an internationally renowned construction company specialising in high-tech facilities such as cleanrooms and data centres. They have successfully constructed many advanced facilities in Swords and the surrounding area, supporting the growth of key industries like pharmaceuticals and technology.
• Kellanova, US food giant Kelloggs, famous for breakfast cereals such as Cornflakes and Rice Krispies to snacks such as Pringles and Pop-Tarts, has strategically positioned its European headquarters at Dublin Airport Campus in Swords. Kellanova employs more than 200 people at this location to execute its growth strategy across Europe.

This diverse mix of companies highlights the attractiveness of Swords for a wide range of sectors, from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to aviation and construction.

Catering to the Needs of Global Businesses
Swords offers several key advantages that cater to the needs of multinational companies. The town is minutes away from Dublin Airport, which provides easy access to national and international markets, making it an ideal base for companies with global operations.

The Fingal area is located along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC), offering easy access to Northern Ireland and UK markets. The DBEC corridor hosts leading global enterprises and a diverse range of thriving local SMEs. Fingal is a key stakeholder in the DBEC Partnership, promoting regional economic growth, innovation and job creation along the corridor.

Swords benefits from a well-developed infrastructure, including a reliable power supply, high-speed broadband, and modern transport links including the M1 to Belfast and the M50 which offers excellent connectivity from Fingal throughout Ireland and to Dublin Port via the Port Tunnel, making Fingal one of the most sought-after investment destinations on the island of Ireland. There are good bus commuter links to Dublin city and proximity to coastal railway services. The Fingal area also benefits from a robust and sustainable electricity grid, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply for businesses.

Fingal County Council is committed to providing a supportive business environment for companies choosing to invest in the area. They offer a range of services and incentives to entrepreneurs, SMEs and international companies – helping them to establish and grow in Fingal. Services include planning support, business and location advice, start-up funding, talent development and sustainability support.

Education and Skilled Workforce in Fingal
Fingal boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, a significant advantage for international companies seeking a talented pool of employees. According to the 2022 Census, 31% of Fingal’s population with degrees were educated to degree level or higher, compared to 28% nationally. The number of individuals with advanced degrees (Honours Bachelor, Postgraduate, or Doctorate) increased by over a third from 2016, demonstrating a growing pool of highly qualified professionals. For international businesses, this translates to a readily available talent pool for specialised roles in sectors such as technology, biopharmaceuticals, and finance. Furthermore, Fingal has the highest proportion of professional workers in Ireland. At 27%, this surpasses the national average of 22.6%, indicating a concentration of skilled talent. This concentration of professionals is a significant draw, as it reduces recruitment costs and time-to-hire.

Liveability and Lifestyle in Fingal
Swords is located within Fingal, an area north of Dublin city that offers residents and employees an exceptional quality of life. Fingal boasts a stunning coastline with charming coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, Donabate, and Howth, offering beautiful beaches, vibrant harbours, and a variety of leisure activities. The area is also home to picturesque parklands, including the historic Ardgillan Castle, Malahide Castle and Newbridge House, providing ample locations for recreation and relaxation.

Fingal also provides a wide range of community, recreational, sports and arts & culture facilities such as Draoicht Theatre, The Seamus Ennis Centre, National Aquatic Centre, St. Catherines Park and currently under construction is the Swords Cultural Quarter with a €50 million Euro investment to provide a new library, arts, theatre and exhibition space in Swords. Promoting physical activity and sustainable modes of travel is a priority in Fingal, with substantial investment in delivering new greenways in the county.

A Compelling Proposition for FDI
Swords offers a compelling proposition for investment. Its strategic location, strong infrastructure, and supportive business environment make it ideal for companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Ireland.