The South West of Ireland is an attractive area in which to live and work. The past decade has witnessed sustained investment in new roads, sanitary services, telecommunications and related infrastructures; and government-led investment programmes continue to prioritise investment in supporting health and educational facilities. With this development came employment. Notably in Ireland artists are entitled to a large tax relief. Therefore South West Ireland is seen as the perfect location. They receive tax relief and they are in an area of pure inspiration.
An extensive range of company start-up incentives are available through agencies such as the County Enterprise Boards, LEADER organisations, Development groups, Enterprise Ireland, Industrial Development Authority and FAS (Training). These all offer advice and courses which are inexpensive and valuable to Sohos.
In today's climate, education is very important. The Irish Education system is renowned and therefore an important service for Soho Solos.
Cork and Kerry have Primary Schools distributed evenly throughout urban and rural areas. Secondary level schools are concentrated in the towns with third level education almost exclusively in Cork City and Tralee (e.g. University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, College of Commerce, F.Á.S. Training Centre, Institute of Technology Tralee).
Cork has two major third level education centres namely University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology. Kerry one third level education centre - the Institute of Technology Tralee. Each of the institutions encourage and advance learning, research and creativity for the benefit of the economic, industrial, social and cultural development of the region and the community at large. Students are provided with invaluable skills and excellent employment opportunities after graduation.
Although South West Ireland is a rural location accessibility does not pose a problem. Substantial improvements have been made to the infrastructure in the South West of Ireland.
Road Network
A network of major roads makes Cork and Kerry easily accessible and Cork City, Cork county and Kerry have seen millions of pounds invested over previous decades designing, constructing and maintaining a modern road network. This road network is a valuable asset, which enables safe, efficient and convenient access to homes, businesses, industry etc. and impacts positively on the economic, social and cultural life of the region.
Rail Network
There is an extensive rail network throughout Ireland. Both Cork and Kerry have
access to the rail network. There has been significant expenditure on the rail
network.
AirNetwork
Cork International Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in Europe. Today it has facilities for passengers equal or better then most airports of comparable size in the world. Situated in the beautiful South of Ireland, just five miles from the city centre, and with excellent communication links, it is indeed the airport of the future. Cork Airport offers warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere with ease of access for aircraft and passengers alike. Currently Aer Rianta - Cork Airport is spending € 127 million over the next five years to dramatically expand and improve all airport facilities to be able to cater for 3 million passengers annually by 2005.
Kerry County Airport has facilitated access to major European cities. The Airport is centrally located and only 20 minutes drive from either of the county's two main towns - Tralee and Killarney. To date, over one million passengers have traveled with Kerry Airport since its first scheduled flight in 1989.
Road Network
