My (unashamable) case for Donegal

Covid - 19 has impacted Donegal as it has everywhere since March. However something really interesting has emerged. This week as we in Donegal face into level 3 measures of restrictions with cases similar to and indeed higher Dublin, we will deal with this, learn from it and come out of it stronger and better. Why?

Donegal sits on the edge of Europe. That edge has often run across much more than its geographical position. There has been edginess to our educational approach especially at third level, our digital innovation is among the best in class and our local autorities are forever pushing the boundaries first to have our County needs heard but then smartly pushing on with developments that support a growth mindset. We are moving away from the sometimes damaging 'forgotten County' rhetoric and onto a place of confidence yet humility. A recent viral tweet from someone not from Donegal read " I have yet to meet someone from Donegal who is not exceedingly excited to be from Donegal". We mix pride with gratitude equally.

Why has the lockdown period been positive for Donegal? With so much already done in regards to creating the County as an outstanding remote working environment, with the establishing of digital hubs, improved broadband, National and Local Government support for start-ups and attracting overseas companies, we seem to have really seized on the possibilities that a changing global situation now presents.

In Tourism with the three month period of 'staycations' in the summer, we became the most popular County for the Irish visitor.

We don't wish for mass tourism but 'slow' tourism with quality and value which promotes experiences that are profound. We neither wish for mass employment but 'slow' economic development which aligns itself to values and behaviours which the County has long developed. We have watched others get the balance wrong, we are tuned in enough not to allow this to happen. The lockdown and restrictions and the changing way we work have made us realise that we can be a future and not a damaged past. The culture, so important for any business is in place.

Innovation requires a safe place to make mistakes. Donegal is set up for that. I am selfish in my thoughts, of course I am. My own small business which I wake up to each day loving the thought of the next project, requires edgy programmes, innovation of thought and digital interventions which are globally leading. I don't want to settle for something that is 'just OK' but instead be inspired to create something of global significance. I would love to collaborate or partner with others in the area in which I work but not by moving 'there' but staying 'here'. I wouldn't consider a better place to develop these advances than in Donegal. I lived in and loved the USA and the UK and owe both a huge debt of gratitude and a lifetime of friendships.

However I unashamably make the case for businesses large and small to consider our County as a place where you can operate a department or your whole operation. You will find the deep talent pool here as others have or if you are really bold and move here you will find a welcome as if you had always lived in the region. You might consider working from here for six months of the year and where you are now for the other six. You may consider moving back to Donegal and working remotely, having left home in what was a different world before March.

Covid-19 has changed the possibilities and opportunities. This is my case for Donegal.

#remoteworking #remotelocation #donegal #growremote #startup #relocate