Ireland’s life sciences sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, solidifying its position as a global hub for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. This expansion is fuelled by significant investments, the establishment of new manufacturing facilities, and a surge in employment opportunities across the nation.
Key cities like Cork, Dublin, and Limerick are at the forefront of this boom, attracting both multinational corporations and skilled professionals.
The expansion of Ireland’s life sciences sector has led to a surge in demand for skilled professionals across various disciplines.
Strategic Investments Fuelling Growth
Ireland’s appeal to life sciences companies stems from its favourable business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location within the European Union. These factors have attracted substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), leading to the development of cutting-edge facilities and the creation of high-value jobs.
Cork: A Pharmaceutical Powerhouse
Cork has long been a cornerstone of Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry. Recent investments have further cemented its status:
- GE Healthcare announced a €132 million investment to expand its manufacturing site in Carrigtwohill. This new facility aims to produce 25 million additional doses of contrast media annually by 2027, addressing the growing global demand for diagnostic imaging agents.
- Janssen Sciences Ireland, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is seeking planning permission to expand its manufacturing site in Ringaskiddy. The proposed development includes a two-storey extension to facilitate the installation of new equipment, replacing end-of-life appliances.
- Hovione, a Portuguese pharmaceutical company, has completed a significant expansion at its manufacturing facility in Ringaskiddy. The multi-million euro investment almost doubles the capacity of Hovione’s spray drying facilities in Ireland and will create more than 20 new positions.
Dublin: A Hub for Biotech Innovation
Dublin continues to attract significant investments in the biotech sector:
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a part of AstraZeneca, employs over 1,000 people across its two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Dublin and Athlone. These facilities serve as Alexion’s global manufacturing operations and supply chain hubs.
- Gilead Sciences opened a Centre of Excellence for Global Paediatric Drug Development in the Dublin Docklands, focusing on investigating the use of its medicines as potential treatments for children living with serious diseases.
- HealthBeacon, an Irish digital therapeutics company, launched its Green Labs facility in Dublin to develop products for managing injectable medications at home, showcasing the city’s growing digital health sector.
Limerick: Emerging as a MedTech Leader
Limerick is rapidly becoming a centre for medical technology and biopharmaceutical manufacturing:
- Eli Lilly has revealed an additional $1.8 billion investment to expand its production capacity at two plants in Ireland, including a $1 billion expansion of its Limerick manufacturing site to increase production of biologic active ingredients.
- Regeneron, a leading biotechnology company, has established its Industrial Operations and Product Supply (IOPS) facility in Raheen, Limerick, producing medicines for patients worldwide.
- Edwards Lifesciences opened a new manufacturing plant in Limerick, focusing on the production of innovative therapies and life-saving medical technologies for patients with heart valve disease.
Employment Opportunities and Talent Demand
The expansion of Ireland’s life sciences sector has led to a surge in demand for skilled professionals across various disciplines. Key roles in high demand include:
- Quality Assurance (QA) Specialists: Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across manufacturing processes.
- Qualified Persons (QPs): Responsible for certifying the quality of pharmaceutical products before release.
- Process Engineers: Designing and optimising manufacturing processes for efficiency and scalability.
- Research and Development Scientists: Driving innovation in drug discovery and development.
- Regulatory Affairs Professionals: Navigating complex regulatory environments to ensure product approvals.
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) has also contributed to workforce development by launching a new advanced therapies facility in 2024. This expansion increases NIBRT’s capacity and capability to conduct manufacturing-focused research and training in advanced therapeutics, including cell and gene therapies.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the life sciences sector in Ireland is booming, it faces challenges such as global competition, regulatory complexities, and the need for continuous innovation. However, Ireland’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and maintaining a favourable business environment positions it well for sustained growth.
The government’s support, through agencies like IDA Ireland, continues to attract significant investments, ensuring that Ireland remains at the forefront of the global life sciences industry.
As a leading recruitment agency in the life sciences sector, PE Global is dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with the industry’s most innovative companies. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities or looking to hire skilled professionals, our expertise ensures the perfect match. View our latest Life Sciences roles or get in touch with the team today at queries@peglobal.net.
