At Red Chair Recruitment, we take great pride in supporting and collaborating with local businesses and innovation hubs that drive economic growth in Ireland, especially in County Kerry. One such powerhouse is the RDI Hub in Killorglin, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary with an exciting event on Friday, 28th March. We were delighted to be part of the celebrations and to witness firsthand the impact the hub has had on the region.
A Gathering of Visionaries:
As part of the event, we had the opportunity to engage with some of Kerry’s key decision-makers, including Co. Kerry’s newest TD, Michael Cahill, and his son, Councillor Tommy Cahill, who have both recently been appointed to government. Our discussions revolved around:
- Job opportunities in Kerry
- The rapid growth of remote work in the region
- The increasing number of professionals moving to Kerry for work
According to our recruitment database, there has been a 220% increase in professionals from the UK and the US relocating to Kerry since 2023. This remarkable trend is a testament to the area’s appeal, offering an exceptional work-life balance, state-of-the-art office facilities, and a thriving business ecosystem.
Why Kerry? The Rise of Talent & Business Hubs:
Kerry has positioned itself as a prime location for businesses looking to establish or expand operations. The region’s business hubs, such as the RDI Hub, provide cost-effective, modern workspaces that allow companies to seamlessly integrate remote talent into their teams. With world-class office facilities, breathtaking scenery, excellent schools, and an unparalleled quality of life, it’s no surprise that more professionals and businesses are choosing Kerry as their base.
Key Benefits of The Kerry Talent-Driven Initiative:
- Access to Skilled Talent – Businesses can connect with professionals across industries such as technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare.
- Future-Proof Workforce – With remote and hybrid work on the rise, companies can expand into Kerry without the high costs of city-based offices.
- Business-Friendly Workspaces – Flexible, state-of-the-art office solutions across the region make scaling easy.
- Commitment to Employee Well-being – Kerry’s strong focus on work-life balance ensures businesses benefit from a happy and productive workforce.
A Day of High-Profile Engagements:
In addition to our discussions with TD Michael Cahill and Councillor Tommy Cahill, we had the pleasure of meeting with MEP Seán Kelly, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, TD Pa Daly, and Chairperson of Fexco Denis McCarthy, to name but a few. These engagements underscored the collective vision of transforming County Kerry into a hub of business innovation and talent.
About the RDI Hub:
The RDI Hub is a not-for-profit Public-Private Partnership between Fexco, Kerry County Council, and Munster Technological University. Established with a €21 million investment, the hub has positioned Kerry as a globally connected centre for technology innovation, enterprise, and skills development.
RDI Hub plays a key role in fostering innovation through:
- The NDRC Startup Accelerator Programme, in partnership with Dogpatch Labs (Dublin), Portershed (Galway), and Republic of Work (Cork).
- Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, supporting business growth and expansion.
- Specialised training and upskilling programmes for startups, corporates, and SMEs, including leadership, marketing, creative problem-solving, and sales strategy.
- Partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, offering AI masterclasses and cutting-edge tech education.
Driving AI Innovation & Investment:
Red Chair Recruitment was also delighted to partner with the hub and sponsor the John McCarthy AI Summer School conference last September 2024, and we look forward to doing the same again in 2025. The conference focused on the transformative impact of technology and data in sports, highlighting how data analytics enhances performance for professional athletes, aids fitness enthusiasts in tracking progress, and enriches the experience for spectators, whether in stadiums or on screens.
- €250 million in capital has flowed through the RDI Hub for startups and scaling companies in the southwest region.
- The €1M Smart Regions AI Navigator Programme, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, helps SMEs adopt AI solutions to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- The RDI Hub’s first Impact Report has been published, showcasing the centre’s role in fostering business growth and technological advancement.
Celebrating Five Years of Innovation:
To mark this incredible milestone, the RDI Hub’s fifth-anniversary event featured key stakeholders, including partners Fexco, Munster Technological University, and Kerry County Council.
Keynote Speaker: Minister Norma Foley delivered a compelling address on AI’s role in shaping Ireland’s future.
Panel Discussions: Industry leaders shared insights, including:
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- Kevin Marshall (Microsoft)
- Bronagh Riordan (EY)
- Joseph Walsh (Munster Technological University)
- John Kelleher (ADAPT Research Centre)
- Andreea Wade (Delta Partners)
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Additionally, leading Irish businesses such as TLI, Energywise, O’Carroll Engineering, Right Group, and Tricel showcased real-world AI use cases, demonstrating Kerry’s position at the forefront of innovation.
Looking ahead: The RDI Hub has set the stage for future growth, offering businesses a thriving environment to innovate, expand, and succeed. With an ever-growing talent pool, cutting-edge facilities, and strong governmental support, County Kerry is fast becoming the go-to location for companies looking to establish a foothold in Ireland’s tech and business ecosystem.
At Red Chair Recruitment, we are excited to see how this dynamic hub and others continue to evolve and contribute to Kerry’s economic future. Here’s to the next five years of innovation, collaboration, and growth!
Finally, a massive Happy Birthday, RDI Hub!!
Here’s to many, many more…
#WeGetPeople