Laois Commuters Willing To Take €10k Paycut To Work Closer To Home

Thursday, 28 May 2026 15:32

The findings are aimed to build awareness of Laois as an investment-ready county.

Laois Commuters are willing to take a €10,000 pay cut in order to work nearer to home

A Commuter Survey commissioned by Laois County Council showed 81% of commuters want to work closer to home, 61% are willing to change jobs and 36% are willing to take a pay cut.

The findings will form part of an Invest Laois campaign, to build awareness of Laois as an investment-ready county.

Managing Director of Interactions Research Dr Eileen O Connell said that a pay cut was an option for some of those surveyed:

Laois commuters call for change as long journeys strain lives and wallets
A new Commuter Survey conducted in March 2026 highlights a stark reality for Laois residents: long, unpredictable journeys are taking a heavy toll on wellbeing and family life.

The research, based on 1,650 respondents and two focus groups, shows most professional opportunities "remain concentrated outside the county.

69% of respondents work in Dublin—forcing daily travel that averages 1 hour 25 minutes each way, with one in seven spending over two hours commuting.

Many of those surveyed describe early starts, congested roads, crowded trains, and fatigue affecting concentration.

The survey also reveals a strong appetite for solutions.

81% want to work closer to home, 61% would change jobs to do so, and over a third would accept lower pay.

According to Managing Director of Interactions Research Dr Eileen O Connell, "One person said they are willing to take a €10,000 euro pay cut in order to work nearer to home. Hybrid work is widely preferred, though some employers are pulling staff back to offices."

The report outlines a three-pillar strategy to break the cycle - expanding remote-working hubs, Attracting satellite offices to Laois; and grow local enterprise through innovation hubs and start-up support.

At the monthly meeting of Laois County Council Chief Executive Michael Rainey said Laois had a "huge talent pool and it is a great county for infrastructure and with this brings great opportunity for inward investment."

Fine Gael Councillor John King mentioned the difficulties that his two sons face on their daily commute, saying they had " no family or sporting life when they spend half the day commuting."

Councillor Paddy Buggy agreed "We have the skillsets, we have the houses and we have a huge bank of knowledge with
highly qualified people. We are no longer the quiet county in the corner."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.