Secondary Economic Activities

Manufacturing is the main secondary economic activity in the Dublin Region. The development of Manufacturing has been supported by the labour, transport and markets of the region.

Impact of Labour on Manufacturing

• Dublin's workforce has a low average age, with 45% under 25 years old, which attracts modern industries needing dynamic and adaptable employees.
• There is a large number of universities in the region, with over 50% of people having third-level education, creating a highly educated workforce. Universities in the region include TCD, UCD, DCU and Maynooth University.
• 95% of people employed in Pfizer have third-level qualifications. The company is able to hire a skilled workforce due to the high education level of GDA residents.
• Industrial output and wages are higher by about 10%, making the region attractive for high-value industries. Intel and Pfizer have factories in the region and produce computer processors and pharmaceuticals respectively.
• Little outward migration means the age profile of workers is younger, and they are more market-oriented, adopting new methods and machinery. There is also inward migration from other EU countries such as Poland, increasing the size of the labour force.

Impact of Transport on Manufacturing

• Dublin is a nodal point, containing the country's main airport and port, which provide direct access to EU and worldwide markets for imports and exports. Companies set up in Dublin as they can easily export all over the world from the city.
• Motorways connect Dublin with other major parts of the country – Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Belfast – facilitating efficient transport when shipping to the domestic market.
• Accessibility is enhanced as newer industries tend to locate on the outskirts of the M50, which are easily accessible and still close to the labour pool due to satellite towns like Tallaght. There is a large amount of industrial estates around the M50.
• Investments in modern infrastructure decrease costs, such as good transport routes reducing the cost of bringing goods to market and easily accessible industrial estates. Foreign direct investment in Dublin is encouraged through the increased investment in the cities transport links.

Impact of Markets on Manufacturing

• Dublin has a wealthy, urban market of 1.3 million people, necessitating high industrial output to meet daily needs.
• Dublin's main airport and port provide access to the global market, supporting the export of manufactured goods. The airport can be reached easily via the M50 and M1, while the port can be reached easily through the Port Tunnel.
• EU membership gives Ireland access to the European market, benefiting Dublin's manufacturing sector. Irish companies can export to over 400 million EU consumers with no tariffs. This is appealing to foreign companies who manufacture goods in Ireland.

*Intel in Leixlip has a manufacturing plant *