Invest. Drogheda C o. L o u t h, I r e L a n D

Transcription

1 Invest Drogheda C o. L o u t h, I r e L a n D a world class investment location

2 High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. Charles Kettering 2

3 Contents Introduction 5 Location 6 Economic Strengths 8 Population 9 Education 9 Research & Development 9 Research & University Collaboration 9 Tax Rates and Incentives 10 Employment Law 10 Infrastructure 11 Access & Transport 11 Communications 11 Energy, Waste & Water 11 Green Data Centre Park 11 Your Partners In Ireland 12 Shared Services The Ideal Destination 13 Sectoral Strengths 14 Office & Enterprise Parks 16 Science & Technology Parks 16 Retail Parks 16 Private Office Parks & Enterprise Centres Living in Drogheda 18 Health & Well-Being 19 a world class investment location 3

4 Invest Drogheda 4

5 Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Drogheda (pronounced: Dro-ha-da) is a thriving town with a population of over 78,000 including the immediate environs. Drogheda's close proximity to Dublin and Dundalk increases its population within a 60km (1 hour commute) catchment area to over 1,700,000. Positioned on the east coast of Ireland, adjacent to Dublin Airport and Dublin Port, Drogheda is just off the M1 Motorway, the economic corridor between Dublin and Belfast. Nestled on the banks of the historic River Boyne, Drogheda and the Boyne Valley region are steeped in history. The oldest known room in the world, the Neolithic Passage Graves at Newgrange, are just 5 miles from the town centre. Over 5,000 years old, this UNESCO World Heritage site is older than the Pyramids of Egypt or Stonehenge. Each year this world class site attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors. This is just one of our amazing heritage sites. While Drogheda is rich in history we are very young at heart. Modern Drogheda has undergone significant growth in the last 10 years and is emerging as a heritage town with a sensitive contemporary twist. The town has a relaxed easy feel. Life in Drogheda includes great shopping, super schools, fabulous dining out and leisure activities, stunning sandy beaches and so much more. Excellent access to Dublin and Belfast Airports (41km and 121km respectively), a well-structured motorway route network and highly efficient train and bus service always ensure that getting to and from Drogheda is easy, quick and enjoyable. The access network is completed by Drogheda Port and Dublin Port. The strategic location of these ports is hugely beneficial to local industry. We believe that our wealth of history and experience combined with our energy, vitality, superb infrastructure and location make Drogheda an exciting prospect for investment. We hope you will agree and we look forward to welcoming you! a world class investment location 5

6 Invest Drogheda Location: Ireland The combination of infrastructural assets, developments in transport, improved connectivity and the young highly educated population underpin the opportunities for business in the Drogheda area. Galway Sligo 222km Donegal 200km 247km 206km Derry 191km Dundalk Belfast 36km 120km Dublin Dublin Airport Dublin Port Tunnel Dublin City Larne 204km Drogheda 41km 47km 49km Limerick 301km 210km 167km Waterford Rosslare Cork 6

7 On the East Coast of Ireland, Drogheda is located just 50km from the Irish capital city Dublin. Drogheda is strategically placed on the main M1 motorway linking Belfast with Dublin on the North-South trade corridor. Drogheda has enviable transport links that connect it to Dublin, the North East, Northern Ireland and Europe by road, rail, air and sea. One third of Ireland s population live within a 50 minute drive of Drogheda. Dublin Airport and Dublin Port via Dublin Port Tunnel are less than a 30 minute drive providing ease of access to international markets. Belfast International Airport is just 70 minutes drive north of Drogheda. The M1 and the upgrading of the Newry- Dundalk dual carriageway have increased road access from North and South. Drogheda railway station has links to all of the major regional destinations including high-speed intercity rail connections to Dundalk, Newry, Belfast and Dublin. The development of a new port access road at Drogheda Port and the construction of a new deep-water port at Bremore between Drogheda and Balbriggan will further enhance the reasons why national and global enterprises will want to locate in Drogheda. Travel Times from Drogheda To: Dublin City Centre 40 mins Belfast City Centre 70 mins Dublin Airport 25 mins Belfast Intl. Airport 75 mins Dublin Port 30 mins Larne Ferry Port 120 mins Dundalk 20 mins Derry 140 mins Rosslare Port 150 mins Waterford 160 mins Sligo 160 mins Galway 120 mins Limerick 120 mins Donegal 190 mins Cork 180 mins a world class investment location 7

8 Invest Drogheda Economic Strengths 8

9 Galway 60km 324,912 Waterford 60km 330,000 Limerick 60km 461,796 Population Drogheda is the largest towns in Ireland with a population of approximately 78,000 including environs. This number has grown steadily since Drogheda's close proximity to Dublin and Dundalk increases its population within a 60km (1 hour commute) catchment area to over 1,700,000. Over 40% of the Drogheda area population are between the ages of (a higher percentage than the national average) providing Drogheda and the surrounding area with a comparatively higher economically active population. Population within 60km catchment (1 hour commute) Dundalk 60km 764,000 Dublin 60km 1,684,465 Drogheda 60km 1,722,964 Cork 60km 490,635 Drogheda and its environs are home to approximately 10,000 people commuting to Dublin each day. These people are highly skilled and experienced and most have higher education qualifications, including financial services, engineering, software development, business and legal studies, and management. These experienced, talented and skilled people are a valuable resource for any company seeking to set up a base in Drogheda. Education Ireland's education system is ranked in the top ten of IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, In addition to this quality the proportion of Drogheda area residents with at least a university bachelor degree or equivalent in 2006 was higher than the national average. Located in the Dublin catchment Drogheda provides easy access to 5 major Universities and 5 Institutes of Technology, each teaching to Masters Degree or PhD level. Collectively these centres of education have a student population of over 50,000. Access to these Universities and Institutes of Technologies enable Drogheda based businesses to continue to benefit from a workforce that can up-skill constantly. The closest Universities and Institutes of Technology are: Dundalk Institute of Technology Dublin City University Trinity College Dublin Dublin Institute of Technology University College Dublin Queens University, Belfast In addition to the many Universities in the area there are also a number of private colleges and further education colleges: Drogheda Institute of Further Education O Fiaich Institution of Further Education, Dundalk. Research and Development While these Institutes and Universities provide a skilled labour force they can also provide research and development for industry specific areas. The main areas of research conducted at Dundalk Institute of Technology are: Enterprise and Innovation Research Group (EIRG) Creative Media Research Group Organic Resources Research Group Electrochemistry Research Group Regulated Software Research Group Research & University Collaboration Companies located in Drogheda benefit from Innovation Support and Technology Transfer with the regions Universities and Colleges. Examples include: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) partners with Dublin City University on Biomedical Research from their Drogheda Operation. Drogheda s IFS (State Street) collaborate on Financial and Accounting Education Partnerships with 2 of the region s 3rd level institutes. a world class investment location 9

10 Invest Drogheda Tax Rates & Incentives The key features of Ireland s tax regime that make it one of the most attractive global investment locations include: A 12.5% corporate tax rate for active business. Ireland s corporate tax rate of 12.5% applies to all corporate trading profits % Corporation Tax. This compares favourably to corporate tax rates in other jurisdictions from a low of 17% in Singapore to over 40% in Japan. A 25% Research & Development (R&D) tax credit which may be refundable over a three year period. 5% of the R&D expenditure can be outsourced to European Universities (includes Irish Universities); and in addition 10% of the R&D expenditure can be sub-contracted to other unconnected parties (i.e. 15% in total). As an incentive to certain staff, a company may transfer some or all of its R&D credit to key employees. An intellectual property (IP) regime which provides a tax write-off for broadly defined IP acquisitions. An attractive holding company regime, including: participation exemption from capital gains tax on disposals of shares in subsidiaries, an effective zero tax rate for foreign dividends (12.5% tax rate on qualifying foreign dividends, with flexible onshore pooling of foreign tax credits), an EU-approved stable tax regime, with access to extensive treaty network and EU Directives, generous domestic law withholding tax exemptions. Employment Law As with all countries the rights of employers and employees are enshrined in law in a series of pieces of legislation. Many of these are consistent across the European Union. If you are considering locating your European Operations in Drogheda talk to our experts. We will guide you through issues of employment law, contracts, rights, payroll requirements, taxation and how to maximise tax efficiencies. invest@drogheda.ie for a summary of current employment legislation or for further details on current salary scales in Ireland. 10

11 Infrastructure Drogheda can boast comfortably that it is the prime location for investment in Ireland because of its superb infrastructural resources: Access & Transport 20 minutes from Ireland s main international airport. Drogheda is on the M1 Motorway which connects Dublin to Belfast. Drogheda Port provides shipping access to Europe and the UK and is situated on the main Dublin to Belfast economic corridor. Investment of 210 million in the expansion of facilities will create a sea bridge to Mediterranean Europe. Drogheda Deep Water Port offers strategically important links to Europe s largest ports in Scandinavia and Rotterdam. Drogheda Train Station handles over 80 train stops daily providing connectivity to both Dublin and Belfast. There are numerous public and private bus services operating from Drogheda to all locations nationally and locally. Direct links to universities and Dublin airport Communications The main Enterprise Parks in Drogheda offer ultra fast internet access via municipal fibre networks (Metropolitan Area Networks, known as MAN s). The most modern fibre communications provide fast direct connection to North America via Project Kelvin. Energy, Waste & Water Ireland s first commercial off-shore wind farm is being developed off the Drogheda coast. Drogheda offers state of the art water treatment and waste to energy facilities. The region has capacity to expand shared services and manufacturing capability owing to spare capacity on the electrical network and excellent connectivity to the ESB Power Network (that are responsible for managing the electricity network). GREEN DATA CENTRE PARK Perhaps one of the most exciting innovations in Drogheda is the planned Green Data Centre Park. Project Kelvin is the fastest piece of fibre on the planet. The Green Data Centre would hinge on the MANs and Project Kelvin and will deliver a location that is solely focused on the greenest most advanced data centres in the country. Drogheda has all the components needed to make this vision a reality: networks, backhaul providers, favourable tax regime, power infrastructure, green energy generators, ideal climate, highly skilled workforce, proximity to the airport, linkages with 2 leading universities for research and development and dedicated business centre spaces. a world class investment location 11

12 Invest Drogheda Your Partners in Ireland We recognise that relocating or expanding into other countries can be a complex matter. By partnering with your business we believe that we can use our local knowledge, influence and contacts to smooth the process for your company. So who are your partners in Ireland? IDA Industrial Development Authority Ireland s inward investment promotion agency, IDA Ireland (Industrial Development Authority) is responsible for the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. IDA Ireland's strategy is based on working with investors who are seeking locations for advanced manufacturing or office based activities which depend on highly skilled processes or are involved in high value added activities e.g. ICT, knowledge based industries and biotechnology. To find out more about how IDA Ireland can support your move into Drogheda visit Local Enterprise Office - Louth LEO Louth provides a broad range of supports and services to all businesses located in Louth or wishing to start up here. We connect you with appropriate State resources for your business, including relevant agencies. We create progression pathways for high-potential companies to Enterprise Ireland. We offer business information, advisory services and enterprise support. We can guide you to the services most relevant to support the growth and development of your business - we are your business one-stop-shop. LEO Louth give you advice on local authority regulations, planning, accessibility, environment, procurement and other issues affecting your business. Our website gives you access to online information about our supports and services. Louth County Council / Drogheda Chamber of Commerce: Louth County Council is the local government responsible for the planning and delivery of services to business and the community in the Louth region. Drogheda and District Chamber is the business representative organisation that represents the needs of industry, retail, manufacturing, ICT and much more. Both organisations work together to ensure that the conditions for companies wanting to set up and invest in Drogheda are co-ordinated, speedy and efficient. We demonstrate our commitment to investors in the region by: Providing a quick turnaround - be up and running with your first team in weeks. Being a first choice location less than 30 mins to the International Airport with easy access to Dublin, London and the rest of Europe. Introducing you to Team Ireland to help your team establish new operations in Ireland. Our team includes access to Government (national and local), Universities and Chambers of Commerce. Offering you the best talent from the Legal, Financial, Recruitment, Property and Operational expertise available locally. Facilitating easy access to excellent Research and Development (6 Universities), Chambers of Commerce and wide choice in the Supply Chain doing business is quick and easy in Drogheda Proposing a host of superb facilities in ideal locations with competitive prices and flexible terms. Considering locating in Drogheda, we are here to support. 12

13 Shared Services The Ideal Destination Ireland is emerging as a leading European destination for the location of Shared Services. A low risk, quick start up, high performance, knowledge economy is demanded by this sector and Ireland delivers. Combine these national conditions with the infrastructure, highly educated population and the accessibility of Drogheda and consider Drogheda as the destination for your Shared Services facility. Shared Services Checklist for Drogheda Existing strong multi-nationals operating shared services in the region. Companies such as Coca-Cola International Services and others have chosen Drogheda as their preferred location. An established Shared Services Forum represents the interests of the sector, facilitating networking and information exchange on best practices amongst members. A highly educated, motivated and local workforce. A highly competitive low corporate tax rate of 12.5%. A pro-business environment with proactive Government legislation implemented in a timely and flexible manner. A sophisticated telecommunications network offering one of the lowest costs in Europe for inbound international toll-free services (when volume discounts are taken into account). One of the lowest annual rental costs for international leased lines. Drogheda is centrally located to gain access to the EU Market of 500 million people. Drogheda has all of this to offer plus a fabulous historic town, superb quality of life, and all within easy access of Dublin Airport for vital international access. a world class investment location 13

14 Invest Drogheda Sectoral Strengths Drogheda is a location favoured by globally recognised brands since the 1960s. In more recent times the range of industries and the nationality of parent companies using Drogheda as their European hub has continued to expand. An industrial town with a rich history, Drogheda dates back to Today Drogheda is an ideal location for foreign direct investment and for indigenous companies to grow. Being the largest town in Ireland, and adjacent to Dublin, makes Drogheda an attractive area for new and established business. It boasts a talented well educated workforce, a history of innovation and commitment to fostering and encouraging entrepreneurial activity. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola one of the worlds best known brands and have had a presence in Drogheda since Coca-Cola Global Business Shared Services are based at the Southgate Centre, Drogheda. In 2011 Coca-Cola announced an expansion of its Global Business Shared Services organisation in Drogheda. This included investment in new offices and the creation of up to 100 new positions. These offices in Drogheda, which currently employ more than 200 people were officially opened in late October Our continued investments in Drogheda and throughout Ireland will ensure we sustain and enhance our growth globally in the coming years, said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola brand has been in Ireland for more than half a century and our long history here gives us continued confidence in the strength of the Irish workforce, the commitment of the Irish government and the know-how of Irish people to support our business." Boyne Valley This commitment is evident across a wide variety of sectors including: Shared Services Financial Services Renewables and Energy Distribution & Logistics Tourism and Hospitality Healthcare and Medical Devices ICT and Electronics Food and Food Technology Manufacturing Pillar Data (Oracle Corporation) Payment Services International Companies that have all made Drogheda their home include: Coca-Cola IFS Boyne Valley Natures Best BD M&L Manufacturing Yapstone Paypal Boyne Valley was established in Drogheda over 50 years ago and today employs 300 people and supports the jobs of distributors and many suppliers. The Boyne Valley Group encompasses companies spanning 33 categories of Food, Personal Care and Home Care products. Their brand portfolio has made them market leaders in 16 categories in which they operate with much loved local brands including Killeen, Don Carlos, Giovanni di Firenze and Boyne Valley Honey. The Boyne Valley Central Warehouse and Distribution Centre, based on the Platin Road in Drogheda, just a short distance from the M1 motorway, benefits from one of the most strategic distribution locations in Ireland. The Boyne Valley Distribution Centre consists of a purpose built Warehousing complex on a fully serviced 12 acre freehold site. With 75,000 square feet of computer controlled storage facilities and 4 temperature zones, -23, +3, +10 and ambient, the warehouse can accommodate 10,000 pallets in single and double racking. Boyne Valley can provide next day delivery to almost 3,000 retail grocery outlets across the entire 32 counties of Ireland. They use an advanced warehouse management system and other IT tools including radio frequency devices to improve handling efficiency, allow accurate product visibility and reduce costs. 14

15 BD BD is a medical technology company that serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. BD began operations in Drogheda in 1964 and is the longest established medical technology multinational company supported by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA, see page 12 for more information). By 1968, the Drogheda plant had expanded to more than double its size. Sales in the UK and continental Europe were growing rapidly, and a second BD plant in Dun Laoghaire opened in Today, BD in Ireland employs more than 450 associates at the Drogheda and Dun Laoghaire plants. During the last 10 years, BD has invested a total of 115 million in its Drogheda and Dun Laoghaire plants, creating state-of-the-art global manufacturing centres. M+L Manufacturing M+L Manufacturing is a world leader in the design and manufacture of custom-built low voltage switchgear and electrical power distribution solutions for mission critical projects. The company is family-owned with 40 years' experience in the industry. A highly-trained, experienced team of 50+ operate from a 16,000q.ft. facility in Drogheda. M+L design, build, install, commission and maintain all LV switchgear to the highest international standards. Providing first-class solutions in terms of technical performance, safety and versatility of design, M+Ls product range are customised to clients' exact specifications. Following extensive projects for the data centre industry in Ireland, M+L are now exporting to Europe and have recently set up a division in the USA. M+L also provide switchgear solutions for the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, IT Sector and Process & Control industries as well as State Sector, Finance, Education and Hospitality. IFS International Fund Services, A State Street Company International Fund Services (IFS) is a division of State Street Alternative Investment Solutions which provides a complete suite of fund accounting, fund administration and risk services to hedge funds and private equity funds. Since 1990, IFS have made substantial investments and have maintained a leadership position in financial services technology. Today, IFS has one location in Canada Toronto; four locations in Ireland Carrickmines, Drogheda, Dublin and Naas; and three locations in the United States Boston, Princeton and New York. IFS delivers custom business solutions to asset management groups with trading operations throughout the world. IFS opened its Drogheda offices in 2005 and employs over 200 people. Nature s Best Nature s Best is Ireland s leading producer of chilled vegetable based Convenience Foods. They sell under their own Nature s Best brand and under major store brands in Ireland and the UK. Nature s Best make products like bagged and bowl leafy salads, prepared salads, prepared vegetables, stir fries, and an innovative range of on the move products like Meal Pots and Salad Shakers. Today Nature s Best employs around 240 people and operates from a state of the art custom built factory in Drogheda. Yapstone Yapstone is a global payment innovation company that is growing rapidly to build the most trusted and tailored e-payment company in the financial industry. With 15 years of expertise bringing electronic payments to new markets, Yapstone s sophisticated processing platform powers payments for all types of companies. With over $8 Billion in payment volume last year, they are well on their way to changing how the world pays. Yapstone have based their new EMEA headquarters in The Mill, Drogheda s Enterprise Hub. With their headquarters in Drogheda, they have a strong gateway to the European market as they expand their operations around the world. This new headquarters provides employment opportunities in the areas of customer support, research and development, software engineering, finance and accounting. PayPal Paypal is a world leader in online and mobile payments, making it easier, more secure and more intuitive for people to pay. Founded in 1998, they continue to be at the forefront of the digital payments revolution, giving people direct control over their money. Its centres in Dublin and Dundalk manage 60 million active accounts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Paypal s Irish workforce is set to total 2,900 by 2018 providing new opportunities for people across the North East. Paypal s growth in Ireland is being fuelled by the increasing number of businesses and consumers who choose PayPal to trade and shop online. a world class investment location 15

16 Invest Drogheda Office & Enterprise Parks Science & Technology Parks Drogheda IDA Park IDA Ireland recently completed a 25 hectare (63 acre) Business & Technology Park with direct access onto the M1 motorway developed and landscaped for the needs of the IT, Financial and International Services Sectors. The park has been designed to include advanced office facilities and advanced technology buildings of high standard to suit both manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. There are ample greenfield areas available for future development. Newtown Science and Technology Park With over 9.2 acres, this recently launched park has excellent access to the town centre and has been master-planned as Drogheda's solution for the needs of modern knowledge-based, technology and service business. This facility is planning permission approved for suitable tenants. It is the site of the new Drogheda Enterprise Centre-The Mill. Boyne Bridge Business Park Boyne Bridge Business Park is zoned and ready for development as a multi-faceted business park. Just off the M1 motorway Boyne Bridge Business Park can provide up to 74,000 sq.m. (800,000 sq.ft.) of business space over 16 Hectares (40 acres). It has the potential to cater for a range of enterprises from small start up operations to large logistical firms and office based organisations. Retail Parks Drogheda Retail Park: A warehouse scheme comprising approximately 15,000 sq.m including 5,165 sq.m. Homebase DIY store and Garden Centre, Harvey Normans, TK Maxx and Home Store & More. Southgate Shopping Centre: Located on the Southern edge of Drogheda with high profile frontage to the N1 Dublin to Drogheda Road, Southgates mix of retail, leisure, cafes, and restaurants coupled with excellent office space make it an attractive location. The M1 Retail Park is located just off the M1 motorway, which is the main Dublin to Belfast road on the outskirts of Drogheda. It is 20 minutes from Dublin International Airport and the Dublin commuter Belt. The Retail Park is anchored by Woodies DIY with other tenants including Smyths Toys, Heatons, Cost Plus Sofas and Mothercare. The Park offers retailers such as Costa Coffee and The Carphone Warehouse. Mellview House is occupied by Energy Fitness and Subway. Private Office Parks & Enterprise Centres Millmount Incubation Centre The Millmount Incubation Centre was established in 2005 by the RDC (Regional Development Centre). It offers support as well as office facilities to start up companies. Millmount Development Centre is a joint initiative of DkIT, Enterprise Ireland, Louth Local Enterprise Office and Louth County Council. Private Office Centres Drogheda boasts a diverse range of private commercial property, from first floor office space, town centre retail units and recently built office buildings and showrooms. A selection of these include The Boyne Tower, Scotch Hall, Market Plaza on Magdalene Street, and the Fitzwilliam Business Centre. 16

17 The Mill- Drogheda s Enterprise Hub The Mill Enterprise Hub, was established to ensure that Drogheda has the best facilities and support structures for FDI companies, expanding companies, and start-up s in the South Louth and East Meath region. The Mill combines luxury contemporary style with a complete range of modern office facilities. This unique space is the ideal home for professional and IT services, and is accessible to both new and established businesses. Our clients include: ICT / Gaming / Apps / Software companies Graphic Design & Multimedia FDI Companies; E-Payments & Electronics Internationally Traded Services Food & Food Technology We support enterprises in the region via training, mentoring, and development of business networks. We re actively working on a National Centre for E-Payments, and development of a Training Network for FoodTech; companies offering business and technology solutions to the Agri-Food sector. Our facilities include: Purpose-built 750sq metres building completed in A range of office sizes ideal for both new and established businesses Wi-Fi in Air conditioned meeting rooms, and breakout areas Each office is equipped with multiple (CAT6) data points for internet & IP telephone connections. Dedicated Wi-Fi access via e-fibre Fully-fitted Kitchen, 24/7 access to building, Free Parking for staff & visitors, Security Gates / CCTV Planning Permission is approved for an additional 600sq metres of site office space. Foreign Direct Investment Mill: The Mill is ideally suited as a first-base for FDI clients due to our flexibility, and modern infrastructure. Current FDI clients include Amphenol TCS, and Yapstone International Ltd. Tracey Dollard of Yapstone states There is a real excitement at The Mill, and the desire of Mill-ers to succeed is palpable. This leads to a great atmosphere and is conducive to motivating our staff and other Start-Up s at The Mill. In addition, the facilities are excellent brand new kitchen, premium meeting rooms, stunning landscaped garden, and multiple break-out areas which enable our staff to unwind. a world class investment location 17

18 Invest Drogheda Living in Drogheda Drogheda is a vibrant town with unrivaled facilities and natural amenities. Drogheda provides a bustling commercial town centre with easy access to the idyllic Louth and Meath countryside. It is the perfect combination of rural and urban living. Located on the east coast a beach is never far away. There are over 70 primary schools and 17 post primary schools in the Co. Louth area as well as third level universities in the area. Drogheda has a long history of sports clubs and organisations and a thriving community spirit. Drogheda is not only a historical town, it is also a modern and exciting destination. The retail scene offers unrivaled choice for shoppers. West Street and Laurence St, the traditional heart of the town, are comfortable and welcoming places to shop. Three retail centres, The Town Centre, Laurence Town Centre and Scotch Hall are located within the immediate town centre area while the M1 Retail Park at Mell and the Drogheda Retail Park on the Donore Road are located close to the M1 motorway. Drogheda s night life is centred in the town. There are historical pubs, live music venues and numerous restaurants and contemporary bars. Drogheda has an extensive arts & culture scene. The town plays host to many festivals each year including The Irish Maritime Festival and The Drogheda Arts Festival, while the galleries and theatres all offer varied and exciting programmes. 18

19 Health and Well-Being Drogheda is home to the largest hospital in the North East region, Our Lady of Lourdes. Within a 60km radius there are an addtional 3 hospitals, each centres of excellence, and a specialist paediatric hospital. High quality private healthcare is affordable for the entire family. Primary healthcare services are delivered primarily through the private General Practitioner system however many practises in the Drogheda area are multi-disciplinary with a range of medical, nursing and complimentary services under one roof. However when living in Drogheda the improvement in your health and well-being is almost inevitable. The amazing natural beauty of the area makes you want to get out and get active. Imagine leisurely walks along the historic River Boyne on the Boyne Side Trail from Newgrange to Mornington or a brisk jog or bootcamp on one of the nearby golden strand beaches. Enjoy a round of golf on any of our stunning links courses, a jaunt out on your bicycle along the restored Boyne Canal or simply strolling up and down the hills of the town in your daily life will get your pulse racing and put a smile on your face. Drogheda: A Great Place to Work & to Live

20 Invest Drogheda C o. L o u t h, I r e L a n D LEO Louth Local Enterprise Office Louth. Town Hall, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: info@leo.louthcoco.ie Web: Drogheda Chamber of Commerce Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: +353 (0) Fax: +353 (0) enquiries@droghedachamber.com Web: invest@drogheda.ie Designed by Printed by in Drogheda. Cover photograph by Tommy McDermott.