Strengths
- Ireland’s low corporate tax environment has often been cited as one of the key strengths of the country in its ability to entice investors to base their operations in the country.
- Stable political and business environment.
- Pro-European Country.
- Well established and influential competent authority, the Health Products Healthcare Authority. Based on 2015 allocations, the HPRA was ranked joint seventh in the EU for rapporteurships for centrally authorised human products. (HPRA 2015 annual report).
- Cultural similarities and geographical proximity may help maximise retention of other staff for those wishing to relocate from London, relative to many other European destinations. Largest percentage of Population speaking English in the EU (>97%) and largest population of English speakers in EU outside of the UK – it is the working language of the EMA and the pharmaceutical industry.
- One of the largest and most highly developed pharmaceutical sectors in Europe.
- 9 out of top 10 pharmaceutical companies with operations here
- Largest net exporter of Pharmaceuticals in the EU accounting for over 50% of all exports from the country
- Proximity to London – 40 minute flight

Weakness
- Non availability of trained staff – we know from our own experience that highly skilled regulatory and health professionals are hard to find.
- Very high hotel occupancy rates in the Capital already
- Present housing crisis in Dublin and spiralling house and rent prices
The EMA headquarters at Canary Wharf in London. Image by Mike Rolls and used under a Creative Commons Licence - Poor infrastructure linking to Dublin Airport to Capital – only city in western Europe with no rail link from main airport to Capital
Opportunity
- Increased economic contribution to city of Dublin
- Further increases attractiveness of Ireland for life science companies
Threats
- May be left to foot the bill for (a) relocation and (b) breaking the lease on Churchill place. – EMA signed a 25 year lease on Churchill Place in 2014.