Robert Burns
Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council
Economy / Ireland
“Monaghan has a strong entrepreneurial tradition”
Monaghan, a county in the historic province of Ulster, strategically positioned near Dublin, Belfast, and Derry, boasts a rich entrepreneurial tradition and offers access to a talent pool of half a million people within a 40-minute drive. A major recent development in the county is the €22 million, 80,000-square-foot Peace Campus, an EU-funded initiative focused on peace and reconciliation. Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, discusses the county’s competitive edge and international draw.
What makes Monaghan competitive within Ireland and internationally?
Monaghan’s strong entrepreneurial culture supports indigenous economic growth, with 22% of the population self-employed. Successful local businesses, such as CombiLift—a material handling company employing over 800 people and exporting to 75 countries—highlight our global presence, exporting US$1 million worth of goods to the United States daily. Monaghan also attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) due to affordable housing—60% cheaper than Dublin— and a skilled workforce within easy reach. Our strategic location near Northern Ireland gives access to two markets, strengthening cross-border supply chains, particularly in food and engineering sectors.
Where do you see the best fit for US investment in Monaghan?
Food, engineering, and manufacturing present key opportunities for US investment. Monaghan’s bioeconomy sector, bolstered by the soon-to-open BioConnect, a biotechnology R&D facility, offers a comprehensive ecosystem for startups, from research to large-scale production. The Ballybay Food Hub and Lough Egish’s 60-acre food park provide robust support for companies at every stage. Other areas of interest include modular construction. Volumetric Building Companies, a major US firm, established its European Center of Excellence here, leveraging Monaghan’s strengths and contributing to local housing and community projects. The growing demand for affordable housing aligns with their expertise, making Monaghan an ideal operational base.
We’re developing a tourism and economic strategy to attract North American visitors and investment. Unlike tourism-dependent areas, Monaghan’s strong manufacturing and logistics sectors allow us to focus on quality tourism experiences, such as walking and cycling in natural landscapes. Strengthening ties with the Irish diaspora, particularly in North America and the UK, remains central to our international outreach.
How does the Peace Campus project impact Ireland?
The Peace Campus focuses on peace and reconciliation. It commemorates Monaghan’s rich and varied history, including the Troubles, and promotes unity among a diverse community, with over 10% of residents born outside Monaghan and Ireland. The campus, housing the County Museum and peace-building organizations like Cooperation Ireland and offering various community programs, fosters cultural understanding and reconciliation. We’re also partnering with Project Children, a US-based charity offering respite to Northern Irish children during the Troubles. The Peace Campus will preserve their archives and celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary, drawing thousands of US visitors with strong Irish ties.
