Limerick’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industries (source) 

Limerick boasts nearly 6,000 direct jobs in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device companies, with many more indirectly employed. Ranking among the top three counties in Ireland for such jobs, Limerick saw a significant boost in January 2022 when our client, Eli Lilly announced a €400m investment for a new biologic manufacturing facility. In March 2023, Eli Lilly doubled their investment to $1 billion, emphasising sustainability through solar energy and rainwater harvesting. 

Limerick is home to a variety of prominent companies in the Pharma and Med Device sectors. 

Limerick has become a notable location for prominent companies in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device sectors. In 2023, Edwards Lifesciences expanded its digital transformation efforts by partnering with Digital Manufacturing Ireland (DMI) to support its sites in Limerick and Shannon. As part of this initiative, Edwards Lifesciences created 250 new jobs in Limerick, aiming to eventually employ 850 people at their new manufacturing centre, which focuses on innovative heart valve therapies. The facility is designed with employee well-being and sustainability in mind, featuring amenities like a gym and recreational spaces, and it operates on 100% renewable electricity. (Limerick Post Newspaper) (MarketBeat) (Home). 

Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the world's third-largest MedTech company as of 2022, has also made significant investments in Limerick. In 2023, they injected €100 million into their facility to enhance production capabilities and technological infrastructure, creating 80 new jobs. (BreakingNews.ie) (BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP). 

Analog Devices have enhanced their presence in Limerick between 2023 and 2024. They announced a €630 million investment in a new semiconductor R&D and Manufacturing facility, which will support the development of next-generation signal processing innovations and triple ADI’s European wafer production capacity. This expansion, part of the EU’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies initiative, is expected to create 600 new high-end jobs. (Analog Devices) (EE Times Asia). 

Regeneron has also continued its substantial growth in Limerick in 2023/24 by committing an additional €200 million to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. With this expansion, Regeneron announced the creation of 400 new jobs, bringing their total workforce in Limerick to over 1,400 employees, reinforcing Limerick’s status as a key hub for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing. (Home - Limerick Live Limerick Leader) (Home). 

Dublin traffic, the classic excuse for being late to work. But let's face it, it's getting old. It's time to level up. 

Limerick, Ireland offers an abundance of temptations and benefits that make relocating a clear choice. While the job opportunities are highly appealing, there's so much more to discover.

Living in Limerick is notably more affordable compared to Dublin. For example, restaurant prices in Limerick are generally 10-20% lower. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two costs around €75 in Limerick compared to €90 in Dublin. Similarly, grocery costs are also lower, with essentials like milk and bread being 10-20% cheaper. 

Housing is significantly more affordable as well. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about €1,583 per month in Limerick, while the same would be around €2,026 in Dublin, a difference of about 22%. Outside the city centre, the gap remains similar, with Limerick being about 22% cheaper. 

Overall, the cost of living is significantly lower than in larger cities like Dublin, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their expenses without compromising on quality of life. (Numbeo) (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons). 

Limerick offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and a rich cultural heritage. The city boasts a lively arts scene, with regular festivals, exhibitions, and performances that cater to a variety of tastes. Music lovers will appreciate Limerick's thriving live music venues. 

Limerick's compact size means you can easily navigate the city on foot or by bike, enjoying scenic walks along the River Shannon or exploring the historic architecture that dots the city. The city’s pace of life strikes a balance between the hustle and bustle of larger cities and the charm of a smaller town, making it an appealing place for those looking to enjoy a vibrant yet manageable urban lifestyle. 

Can You Really Grow Your Career Outside of the Big City? 

Working in Limerick provides excellent career growth opportunities due to the expansion of multiple major companies in the area. This growth creates new job opportunities and specialised roles, allowing employees to advance rapidly. The concentrated industry presence offers clearer career progression paths and increased visibility, making it easier to stand out and be recognised for promotions. 

The smaller company sizes and diverse industry presence in Limerick mean employees often wear multiple hats. This variety of roles allows individuals to gain a broad range of skills and experiences, which are highly valued in the industry. For example, employees at Cook Medical or Stryker might find themselves involved in various aspects of Medical Device manufacturing, from R&D to Production. 

In contrast, while Dublin is considered to offer a broader range of opportunities and higher salaries, the larger, more competitive market can sometimes make it harder to gain visibility and advance quickly. The sheer volume of professionals and companies in Dublin can create a more complex landscape for career progression, potentially leading to slower advancement unless you stand out in a highly competitive environment. 

The decision is yours! 

Ireland's smaller cities like Limerick offer robust career prospects within multinational companies across the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. If you are curious about careers in Limerick or this article has sparked your curiosity, visit our jobs pages for current openings. Whether you're interested in permanent roles or exploring contracting opportunities, contact quality@hero.ie for contracting positions or deirdre@hero.ie for permanent positions. Discover how you can advance your career while enjoying the unique lifestyle benefits of Ireland's serene countryside.