West’s tech leaders look to recruit

High-tech companies in the West and the Mid-West are in “recruitment mode” and urgently seeking key talent from outside the regions, the IDA told a conference yesterday.

IDA Regional Manager for the Mid-West Niall O’Callaghan said a tech eco-system is being developed in the West and Mid-West of the country and the requirement for talent has never been greater.

“In the last month alone, we have had announcements of almost 1,000 jobs in the Mid-West that will be created over the next three to five years and they are mainly in the tech space,” he told TechWest 2016, which was held in Dublin last week.

The conference showcased jobs on offer in the West and Mid-West regions and outlined opportunities available to those moving to the regions to live and work.

It was organised by Recruitment and HR Services Group Collins McNicholas — the only national recruitment company headquartered outside Dublin — in association with AIB and the Western Development Commission.

“A lot of the companies that we work with are in recruitment mode. Our clients have a range of roles that they are trying to fill and are doing everything they can to attract talent back to the regions,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

“We are developing a tech eco-system and are eager to demonstrate to people that the Western Corridor is an ideal place to live and work.”

Mr O’Callaghan added that many of those relocating to the regions were originally from the area and had gone to Dublin or London to complete their studies or get their careers started.

“They are now at a stage in their lives where they want to settle down and they see genuine opportunities in places such as Shannon, Galway and Limerick.

“People really respond to the work/lifestyle balance as well as the infrastructure such as Shannon Airport, the Galway and Limerick universities. Also, the cost of living in comparison to Dublin really makes it an easy choice,” he added.

Companies involved in the event included Galway-based Altocloud, Cisco and SL Controls, as well as speakers from the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, the Western Development Commission, Galway’s Portershed & Innovation District and LEO Mayo.