New study reveals Mayo towns are Ireland's best for work-life balance
New research by Switcher.ie has revealed the best Irish towns and cities for work-life balance – and it's a remarkable one-two for Mayo.
The county town, Castlebar, has emerged as the best place for the perfect work-life balance, with the north Mayo capital, Ballina, in second place.
Behind the two Mayo towns, Longford, Wexford and Arklow round out the top five overall.
Confirmation of Castlebar's position at the top of the leaderboard has been welcomed by local Councillor Ger Deere.
The county town, he said, offers everything for a great life package, from connectivity for the work place or home, be it for work or recreation, while also boasting a great array of local amenities such as the numerous sports clubs and Lough Lannagh.
The west, he said, is a prime location for people seeking to relocate and these latest results show Castlebar is the ideal place to achieve that work-life balance.
The study is based on data like access to local amenities such as primary schools, major supermarkets and leisure centres, services like broadband speed and mobile coverage, proximity to green spaces and transport routes, plus house prices and crime rates.
New legislation which gives employees the right to request remote work, carers' leave and other flexible arrangements is expected by the end of the year. With 32% working from home at least one day a week during 2022, Ireland’s towns and local economies could also enjoy the benefits of an increasingly flexible workforce.
Castlebar claimed the top spot as the best place to strike the perfect work-life balance in Ireland. Not only are house prices lower than others on the list, but it offers a winning mix of excellent local amenities, good connectivity for hybrid working and plenty of green spaces.
Ballina, meanwhile, has taken the top spot for the best place to balance work with a family. To calculate this, Switcher.ie summed index scores for house prices, crime rate, number of GP surgeries and primary schools.
Commercial director of Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke, commented: “Once the Code of Practice is in place to support the Work-Life Balance Act 2023, many employees will have the right to request remote and flexible working arrangements. It means that hard-working Irish residents, many with families or carer responsibilities, should benefit from a better quality of life and a financial boost.
“Property price is often a crucial factor when housebuying, but broadband and mobile coverage, easy access to local amenities and plentiful green spaces can make all the difference when juggling family commitments, home life and work.
“The good news is all the top towns in our study have lots to offer. Whether working remotely or commuting, there's a good choice of affordable, well-served towns to raise a family or simply enjoy life. Hotspots range from places on the windswept west coast to the satellite towns of Dublin, with areas to suit every budget.
“So, if you're planning to buy your first home or hunting for your next, don't just consider affordability – choose somewhere that makes you happy and strikes the perfect work-life balance, too.”