A new ten-year economic development and skills strategy has highlighted the significant opportunities created by the completion of the National Broadband Plan rollout across County Leitrim, including the potential to attract up to 1,300 additional remote workers.

Developed by Leitrim County Council and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Shaping Leitrim 2026-2036 sets out 30 actions across eight strategic pillars designed to strengthen the county's economy, workforce and communities over the next decade.

A new ten-year economic development and skills strategy has identified a significant opportunity for County Leitrim to attract up to 1,300 additional remote workers, building on the completion of the National Broadband Plan rollout across the county.

Published by Leitrim County Council and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Shaping Leitrim 2026-2036 sets out a roadmap for economic growth between 2026 and 2036. The strategy is built around eight pillars and 30 actions aimed at strengthening Leitrim's economy, workforce, enterprise sector and communities.

Broadband Opens New Opportunities

The strategy highlighted the transformative impact of improved digital connectivity for rural counties. While 28% of Leitrim's workforce currently works remotely, the national average stands at 35.9%. The report estimates that if Leitrim matched that figure, approximately 1,300 additional remote workers could choose to live and work in the county.

This opportunity is particularly important given the strength of Leitrim's workforce. More than 62% of workers in the Carrick-on-Shannon labour catchment area hold third-level qualifications, yet over 70% commute outside the area for employment. The strategy notes that improved broadband infrastructure creates new possibilities for retaining talent, attracting returning members of the diaspora and encouraging professionals to relocate to the county.

Strategy Launched at Ambassadors Summit

The strategy was launched during the inaugural People, Place, Possibilities: Leitrim Ambassadors Summit 2026, which brought together business leaders, investors, media professionals and members of the Leitrim diaspora from Ireland, the UK and the United States.

The summit explored opportunities for enterprise development, talent attraction, rural regeneration, innovation, culture and investment, while showcasing Leitrim's strengths as a place to live, work, invest and visit.

Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Joseph Gilhooly, said the completion of broadband infrastructure presented a major opportunity for the county. He highlighted the need to convert improved connectivity into jobs, investment, business growth and thriving communities, while also pointing to the important role of the Most Definitely Leitrim initiative and the Ambassadors Summit in promoting the county nationally and internationally.

Ambitious Targets for the Next Decade

Beyond remote working, the strategy outlines a range of ambitions for the coming decade. These include increasing occupancy at Carrick Business Campus, strengthening links with Atlantic Technological University, developing talent attraction initiatives aimed at the Leitrim diaspora and supporting growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, professional services, agri-food and the green economy.

The strategy also recognises Leitrim's recent growth, with the county's population increasing by almost 10% since 2018, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland.

Building on Leitrim's Strengths

The report concludes that Leitrim is well positioned for future growth thanks to a combination of world-class broadband infrastructure, a highly educated workforce, competitive business costs, a strong sense of community and an outstanding quality of life.

Through the implementation of the 30 actions contained in Shaping Leitrim 2026-2036, the county aims to build a more resilient economy, create new opportunities for residents and ensure sustainable growth for communities across Leitrim over the next decade.