A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.