Ease of access to the island’s two main international airports as well as Irish and UK ports including Dublin, Belfast and Greenore gives businesses based in Monaghan a clear strategic advantage. Location played a key part in the success of Castlecool Limited, Ireland’s largest temperature-controlled warehousing company, set up by accountant Paul Shortt in 1994.

The Lough Egish business and adjacent Food Park was sold to US company Agro Merchants Group in 2014, and Shortt now provides business consultancy to various companies in the county. He also serves as a mentor for Enterprise Ireland and the IDA; chairman of Enterprising Monaghan; and director of Castleblayney Enterprise Centre.

Monaghan is a great county for highly motivated, experienced and loyal staff. A good road network and infrastructures further add to its appeal as a business base,”