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      Welcome

      The South West region stands at one of the most consequential inflection points in its modern history.

      As we look toward 2040, we see a region of extraordinary potential — a dynamic, export-oriented economy anchored by world-class multinationals, a thriving indigenous enterprise base, Ireland’s second-largest urban centre, and some of Europe’s most spectacular natural assets. Yet potential, without decisive action, remains just that.

      However, the challenge is no longer one of planning - it is one of leadership.

      Download South West 2040

      South West 2040: Advancing Ireland's Economic Future

      (PDF, 3.6MB)
      Download South West 2040
      Barrie O'Connell
      Barrie O'Connell

      Partner

      KPMG in Ireland

      Executive Summary 

      The South West is central to Ireland’s economic future. With a population of over 740,000, a globally connected industrial base and a unique concentration of energy assets, the region has the scale and capability to act as a genuine counterbalance to Dublin and a driver of national growth to 2040.

      South West 2040 is ultimately a people-led story. Realising the region’s potential will require deliberate choices and sustained commitment, with people and capability at the heart of planning and investment decisions.

      To unlock this potential, three strategic priorities require immediate national focus:

      • Designate offshore and onshore wind as critical infrastructure

        Recognising the South West’s unique role in delivering Ireland’s energy transition at scale.

      • Position the South West as Ireland’s data centre and clean energy hub

        Aligning digital infrastructure investment with the region’s renewable energy advantage.

      • Recognise Cork as Ireland’s second city

        Playing a central role in anchoring and enabling growth across the South West, with strategic investment aligned to its capacity to support wider regional economic and infrastructure development.

      Key stats 

      • 740,000 people (Census 2022)

        Representing 14–15% of the national population 

      • Cork City metropolitan area: ~210,000
      • Population split
        • County Cork: ~79% 
        • County Kerry: ~21% 
      • Population density: ~53 persons per km²
      • Regional GDP

        €123–125 billion (2022–2023) 

      • Second largest GDP region

        Second largest GDP region nationally, after Dublin 

      • Contributes 20%+ of national GDP

        Strongly driven by multinational manufacturing 

      • GDP per capita

        ~€163,000 

      • Employment

        395,000–400,000 people  (~14–15% of total national employment) 

      • Third-level attainment

        ~56% of the population 

      • Advanced manufacturing

        Largest GDP contributor

      • Biopharma and life sciences

        Cork Harbour is one of Europe’s largest pharma manufacturing clusters

      • Food and agri-business
      • Technology and international services
      • Tourism and the marine economy
      • Second largest economic region in Ireland
      • Globally significant multinational manufacturing base
      • Strong higher education, research and innovation ecosystem
      • High-quality natural and coastal assets supporting tourism and liveability
      • Exposure to multinational concentration and external shocks
      • Seasonal and lower-paid employment in rural areas
      • Housing and infrastructure pressure within the Cork metropolitan area
      • Persistent accessibility and service deficits in more remote communities

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      Let's talk

      At KPMG we’re all about helping make cities and regions better places. Our experience and expertise in Irish cities and regions as well as in urban areas worldwide, makes us uniquely placed to help decision - makers, policy stakeholders, infrastructure leaders and private companies who want to move quickly to make our cities and regions better places.

      If you would like to find out more about how we can help you achieve your ambitions for the South West or further afield - please contact Chris Wood. We'd be delighted to hear from you.

      Christopher Wood
      Christopher Wood

      Partner

      KPMG in Ireland