THE head of a cross-border commercial property firm says Brexit has presented "a major conundrum" and the uncertainty for the future has led a number of companies enquiring about having a base in both jurisdictions.
Shane O’Hanlon is managing director at O’Hanlon Property, a firm of chartered surveyors with offices at Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan as well as Dublin city centre, and has been working in the property industry for more than 20 years.
The business specialises in the sale, letting, management, valuation and acquisition of commercial, agricultural and residential property throughout the border region and in Dublin.
With a strong track record and wide ranging customer base in the private, corporate and state sectors, O’Hanlon Property have been actively advising companies on relocating across the border and assisting them in setting up bases in Dublin and the southern border region.
"We continue to be contacted by a number of companies in Northern Ireland who need to retain an EU base post Brexit and are in the process of taking office, industrial/manufacturing and warehouse space," Mr O'Hanlon says.
The company’s Monaghan base is situated just six miles from the border, and with a family background in Co Armagh, Mr O’Hanlon has a wide range of Northern Ireland-based clients.
He says@ “Brexit has presented a major conundrum for cross border businesses and the uncertainty for the future has led a number of companies to get in touch regarding their requirement to have a base on both sides of the border."
The company currently has a variety of office space with high speed broadband available for rent and ranging in size from 250 sq ft to 8,000 sq ft in Co Monaghan. It also has an industrial building for sale suitable for manufacturing or distribution and extending to approx 50,000 sq ft.
O'Hanlon Property has a suite of other industrial buildings available for sale or rent ranging in size from 5,000 sq ft upwards together with sites up to 50 acres suitable for all types of development.
With wide contacts throughout the property industry, O'Hanlon Property is placed to act as acquisition agents and with its knowledge of the Dublin market, it advises on all city requirements from its office at Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.
With its convenient setting and a host of cost-effective business space, Monaghan is seen as the perfect post Brexit base for investors.
Located midway between Ireland’s two largest business hubs, with travelling times of approximately an hour from Belfast and Dublin, the county provides convenience and a cost effective base from which to do business.
"Co Monaghan has a thriving business community that spans agri food, e-commerce, engineering and many more combined and with a network of business supports it is understandable why Monaghan is seen as an ideal business location," Mr O'Hanlon says.
Many indigenous companies including Combilift have formed strong links with local education providers to address skills gaps and ensure a robust talent pool is available for future investment.
Among the leading companies located in the county are Kingspan, Kerry Foods, Combilift, Celtic Pure and Silver Hill Foods and with land available for future development, Monaghan is seen as a vital opportunity for future investors.
O’Hanlon Property recently sold the 90,000 sq ft Bose Engineering Plant in Carrickmacross to a Chinese company which is in the process of converting it into a baby food production facility.
Speaking about the benefits of investing in Monaghan, Eamon O’Sullivan, chief executive of Monaghan County Council, said: “Monaghan’s location within easy reach of Belfast and Dublin International Airports and good road access to the major ports, provides businesses with direct access to the EU and UK markets.
"When combined with lower costs of business set ups and the supportive ethos in the county, this makes Monaghan a hugely attractive proposition for new business investment.”
:: O’Hanlon Property can be contacted at Market Square, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan 0035342 9662222; or 52 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 0035319081240 or email info@ohanlonproperty.ie
