'InvestLaois' campaign launched for business and jobs
County Hall, Portlaoise. File image
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to promote Laois as a prime business location, showcasing enterprise opportunities in the county.
The ‘InvestLaois’ initiative will market the county as ‘one of Ireland’s most attractive locations for business investment, expansion and long-term growth’.
Launched by Laois Co Council on 26 May, the campaign will highlight the people, businesses and infrastructure shaping economic development across the county, including the role of Junction 17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise.
Supported by the EU Just Transition Fund, the InvestLaois programme highlights the fact that, with its central position in the midlands, Laois offers direct motorway connectivity to ports and airports, access to major counties and city regions including Dublin, Limerick and Cork, a highly skilled workforce and capacity for future development.
Speaking at the launch, Laois Co Council chief executive Michael Rainey said: “InvestLaois is about telling a confident and credible story about the future of business in our county. Laois offers connectivity, a skilled talent pool, infrastructure, room to grow and an exceptional quality of life.
“Through this campaign, we are showcasing the workforce and businesses who have invested and are succeeding in the county, while highlighting the strategic opportunities available for future investment.”
The campaign comes at a time when businesses across Ireland are increasingly reconsidering where they locate and expand operations, as rising costs and changing work patterns continue to influence business decisions nationwide.
Over the coming months, InvestLaois will showcase stories from local businesses and professionals, highlighting why the county offers a compelling alternative to larger city regions.
The campaign is underpinned by the findings of a Commuter Survey commissioned by Laois Co Council in 2026, which surveyed 1,650 residents commuting outside the county for work.
Over eight in ten (81 per cent) of those surveyed expressed an interest in working closer to home, while 68 per cent held third level qualifications. The average commute time is one hour and 25 minutes.
The council says the research points to a highly skilled talent pool already living in Laois and a clear opportunity for businesses considering the county as a location for investment and growth.
An InvestLaois website is being developed, with digital advertising, PR, ambassador storytelling, photography and video content. Ambassador profiles include established Laois-based business leaders and entrepreneurs sharing their experiences of operating and growing businesses within the county.
The InvestLaois campaign is part of a wider initiative to build awareness of Laois as an investment-ready county and to support long-term economic development through strategic infrastructure, enterprise growth and regional opportunity. More information is available at Laois.ie.
