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Living and working in Limerick

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​In the spirited city of Limerick, job seekers will find a booming international business sector, housing costs 20% lower than the national average and a modern city steeped in the culture of a medieval past. Working in Limerick offers many of the same benefits as working in the nation's capital while providing lower costs of living and a quieter lifestyle. Limerick jobs are available in a wide range of sectors for any jobseeker considering Mid-West Ireland as their home.

Limerick's Talent Market

Mid-West and Limerick businesses have followed the trend of embracing hybrid and fully remote roles. This is especially true in the technology sector where many businesses recognise the value of remote working to obtain top-quality talent and therefore recruit across Ireland to fill positions. Sectors such as engineering, supply chain, office support and human resources remain a candidate-driven market. Companies across the Mid-West had a busy hiring year in 2022, and all sectors were looking to find permanent, temporary and contract workers.

Enterprise Opportunities: International Business and Education 

Limerick is well-established as an excellent location for international business and remains committed to innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. Outside of Dublin, Limerick is the fastest-growing region for foreign direct investment (FDI), and 24,500 jobs have been announced since 2013.

Multinational companies employ more than 25,000 staff in the Mid-West of Ireland, with particular emphasis on the life science, engineering, and technology sectors. A selling point for international business in Limerick is the National Technology Park (NTP) that adjoins the University of Limerick campus. This 156-hectare business and technology park was created with international clients in mind and is home to 80 organisations. The NTP serves as one of the region's centres for FDI, along with Raheen Business Park and areas close to Shannon Airport.

In addition to serving as a destination for international business, Limerick boasts a large student population that serves as an excellent talent pool. Three third-level institutions produce 6,000 graduates each year. The University of Limerick is one of Ireland's most respected universities with strong ties to business and industry, including the Nexus Innovation Centre, which supports new businesses and job creation.

Other colleges in the area include the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands and Midwest and Mary Immaculate College, where one-third of graduates are studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. Limerick's student population totals 24,000, including international students from more than 100 countries.

Career Advancement and Salary

Opportunities for career advancement are high for those working in Limerick. Demand for talent exists for new hires and to fill positions where staff are promoted. Companies in the Mid-West region are consistently ahead of the curve when developing career advancement plans for their employees, discussing career advancement before hiring and then outlining detailed plans for prospective employees.

The remote working trend significantly narrowed the gap in salaries between the Mid-West and Dublin, particularly for the technology and engineering sectors. 2022 saw a substantial increase in salaries as candidates that worked from home could demand increases regardless of the company's location. Residents of Limerick benefit significantly from this change as they can have Dublin salaries with Limerick's low cost of living. Moving forward, salaries are expected to remain stable for the upcoming year.

Cost of Living: Challenges and Benefits

The biggest challenge when considering Limerick jobs is the availability of housing in the region. This is a wider-reaching issue that impacts the rest of Ireland and Europe. Employers in the Mid-West region provide as much practical support as possible. They host financial wellness seminars, focus on lowering or eliminating travel costs through hybrid working arrangements and promote the travel tax incentive scheme.

Although housing is a challenge, Limerick still has an excellent cost of living when compared to other cities in Ireland, providing one of the most impactful answers to the question, "Why move to Limerick?"

The median house price in Limerick is 20% lower than the national average, and it is the most affordable of the four largest cities in Ireland for renting or purchasing a home. Outside of Dublin, Limerick has the highest disposable income in the country and is the only city with disposable income higher than the national average.

Quality of Life: City Living and Country Access

Life in Limerick is quieter and less congested than in many other cities. Limerick benefits from having lush countryside meet a buzzing city on the banks of the majestic Shannon River. More than 70 million euros have been invested to continue the project of revitalising the riverside waterfront that hosts restaurants, nightlife and shopping for residents and visitors.

As the third largest city in Ireland, 500,000 people live within an hour's drive of Limerick’s City Centre. An excellent road and rail network connects Limerick with the region providing easy access to the rest of the country. This accessibility means that two-thirds of Mid-West Ireland employees have a commute that is 30 minutes or less.

Named a National City of Culture in 2014 and shortlisted as a 2020 European Capital of Culture, Limerick has the amenities of a larger city with the backdrop of a medieval past. Limerick has grown into a diverse international city with a wide range of international cuisine options that reflect the changing population.

Limerick provides unique access to explore the range of the natural beauty of Ireland. The city is only a one-hour drive to coastal areas where beaches are open for sunbathing and surfing. The Wild Atlantic passes through Limerick and provides access to stunning scenery, including the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Killarney National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula.

Cpl's Regional Presence

Cpl Limerick has a team of 14 that works to connect job seekers with permanent, temporary and contract positions. The main sectors covered are technology, science and engineering, finance, customer support, human resources, supply chain, office support, sales, and marketing. Learn more about the jobs available in Limerick and the Midwest.