County Waterford
Crystal manufacturing ceased 2009 but brand recognition persists—Ireland's oldest city leverages heritage while South East Technological University merger strengthens regional talent supply.
County Waterford's crystal manufacturing heritage defined regional identity—Waterford Crystal operated since 1783, though manufacturing ceased in 2009 after recession. The visitor center maintains tourism connection; the brand continues under different ownership.
Waterford city, Ireland's oldest, provides southeastern urban services. WIT (Waterford Institute of Technology, now part of South East Technological University) supplies graduates; the combined institution serves regional education needs.
Pharmaceutical and technology companies established operations, though scale remains modest. Bausch & Lomb maintained long presence; newer investments attempt filling crystal manufacturing's employment gap.
Waterford demonstrates industrial heritage's double edge: brand recognition attracts attention, but manufacturing loss creates adjustment challenges. The county's future depends on developing new specializations while leveraging historic identity. Regional university merger potentially strengthens talent supply for employer attraction.