Roscommon County Council launch 'Roscommon Bound'

Emily Sheehan

Roscommon county council have officially launched the 'Roscommon Bound' campaign; highlighting the reasons why people should 'choose Roscommon for a richer life'.

The campaign focuses on key locations and towns where people can work, both in person and remotely, while having the opportunity to connect, explore, get involved and unwind.

Highlighting Rocsommon's natural beauty and rich history, the campaign is designed to encourage people to choose Roscommon as an anchor point for a successful career and improced quality of life.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, increased opportunities for remote and hybrid work have opened up more possibilities for people to move from larger urban areas to work in other locations and to prioritise an achievable work/life balance.

In a survey conducted amongst Roscommon businesses on behalf of Roscommon County Council, over one quarter of business owners said that they can offer hybrid working conditions to their staff, with 25% of them planning on continuing the hybrid approach for at least the next five years.

As part of the Roscommon Bound campaign, a 'Global Rossie Day' will take place on September 22nd.

The day is a celebration designed to encourage people living in Roscommon to become tourists within their own county, as well as encouraging Roscommon natives who are based elsewhere to engage with a celebration of their Roscommon heritage.

Over the weekend, Roscommon will be brimming with activities, entertainment and captivating experiences which will give people a true sense of the county.

Roscommon Bound have identified six key 'riches' within the county – these elements include Community, Connectivity, Tourism and Wellness, Economic Development and Heritage, Culture, and Sport.

Roscommon County Council, together with the towns of Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Monksland, Roscommon Town and Strokestown, are working together to highlight the opportunities available in the county, with a view to attracting new people to the area; with a particular focus on families and business owners looking to relocate.

In the survey conducted on behalf of Roscommon County Council with 46 Roscommon based business decision makers, local businesses cited availability and opportunity of infrastructure, along with accessibility from airports, cities and main transport routes, as some of the key incentives to working and establishing businesses in the county.

Skilled workforce and opportunities for growth were also key incentives highlighted by respondents.

Commenting on the launch of program, Roscommon Bound Spokesperson for Roscommon County Council, Lisa Joy, said: “Roscommon bound is about connecting the global Rossie family to share and promote the uniqueness of Roscommon’s heritage, communities, towns and villages and the opportunities that exist for people.”

“At Roscommon County Council, we feel passionate about Roscommon being a desired location of choice for so many people looking to build and improve their own lives and their careers, as well as the lives of their family.”

“Roscommon County Council have recently provided key infrastructure such as An Chistin in Castlerea, a state of the art food production facility developed to support ambitious food businesses looking to set up.”

“It also recently opened An Rioga in Boyle, modern open plan office space perfect for a growing business and the Monksland Innovation Hub which aims to support life sciences and act as a co-working hub to support existing rural enterprises and start-up companies.”

Ciaran Sheerin, Commodity Manager with Roscommon based company, Nordson Medical, said: "As an ambassador and business decision-maker, I find County Roscommon to be an exceptional place to live and work.”

“The county offers a unique combination of a supportive and welcoming community, good infrastructure, and a strategic location with easy access to hubs like Dublin, Athlone, Sligo and Galway. Roscommon’s more affordable cost of living, high-quality educational options and robust outdoor activity offerings make it an attractive option for families.”

“For businesses, the county provides ample opportunities for growth, with strong local networks, skilled workforce, and access to various funding and support programs. Roscommon has traditional manufacturing and service industries but also a MedTech presence through the county. Additionally, the beautiful natural surroundings, including Lough Key Forest Park and the River Shannon, offer an outstanding quality of life, making Roscommon a perfect place for both professional success and personal fulfilment."

For more information on Global Rossie Day, and events taking place in various Roscommon locations, see https://www.roscommonbound.ie/