QUALITY of life, being closer to family and friends and a safer environment – they have been identified as the three top determining factors for people who have relocated to Kerry, according to a survey released today.
The research was carried out by National Recruitment and HR Services Group Collins McNicholas, in conjunction with IDA Ireland, KerrySciTech and Kerry County Council.
Interviews were held with over 250 professionals who have recently relocated to Kerry from 15 different countries, including Australia, Canada, United States, Portugal, Spain, Poland and South Africa.
51 per cent of those surveyed said they now travel to work in 20 minutes or less which is a much-reduced commute time compared to their previous careers.
Respondents in many cases moved to Kerry to advance their career while at the same time benefitting from a new and improved quality of life that the county can offer. 83% of respondents moved into a similar or more senior role than the one they held before moving.
88 per cent of those who responded are degree qualified or above and 71 per cent have six or more years’ industry experience which shows Kerry is attracting highly qualified and experienced professionals.
Some of the other key findings of the survey were:
- 74% now enjoy a similar or lower cost of living, with 79% experiencing a similar or increased level of disposable income
- 89% were satisfied or very satisfied with their move to Kerry
- 38% of those who moved to Kerry in the last five years were from overseas
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council, said the exercise has equipped Kerry with an important array of data and information which can be applied in many ways.
“These surveys are a very important asset in continuing the work being done by Kerry County Council and other agencies in promoting the county nationally and internationally as an ideal place to live, work and do business,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kerry County Council today published a comprehensive audit of the skills base which exists in the county. The online survey, which received 500 responses, was designed to identify the range of skills, education and experience of people living and working in the county and to ensure that the local skills set can be used to highlight the attractiveness of Kerry as a place in which to live, work and do business.
Some of the key findings:
- Quality of life, closeness to family, a high disposable income and a safe environment were key attractions for those relocating to the county.
- Kerry has a highly educated workforce
- 93% of respondents have a third-level education
- 55% have a second language
- Kerry is home to a modern, vibrant, adaptable workforce
The information will enable agencies in Kerry to target employment and investment and to showcase what the county has offer existing and potential employers.
The surveys are available on the Kerry County Council website www.kerrycoco.ie.
The National Recruitment and HR Services Group Collins McNicholas research is here: report
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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