Starting out in a small shed off the Roscommon Road almost 40 years ago, DPD now stands proudly as a vital component of Athlone’s ecosystem. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility that spans over 9.6 acres since 2005, DPD has grown into Ireland’s largest dedicated parcel delivery company. With 1,200 employees across Ireland, half of whom are based in Athlone, DPD has made significant contributions to both the local and national economy. Beyond the central hub in Athlone, DPD operates 36 depots across the country, each functioning locally with its own staff and drivers, thereby ensuring that local businesses receive tailored services under the trusted DPD brand.

DPD has seen immense growth in recent years, with their business doubling from 2019 into 2021. During the Covid pandemic, society, business, and the world as a whole changed. As society adapted to new realities, with businesses closing their doors to the public and shifting operations online, DPD emerged as a critical link in the supply chain, ensuring that goods reached their destinations swiftly and efficiently. With an ever-increasing awareness of the importance of e-commerce and an online presence, the role of DPD as a connector proves vital.

As DPD expanded, so did the opportunities it created for the people of Athlone. The company has been instrumental in providing access to employment, as well as reskilling, and upskilling for people in the area. DPD has partnered with local bodies such as the ETB and TUS (Technical University of the Shannon) to offer training and apprenticeship programs, and ensure opportunities are available to all members of the community. Through programs in logistics, finance, transport, and cybersecurity, DPD is not just offering jobs but fostering long-term career development within the community. By being reactive to the needs of an ever-changing digital society, DPD also ensure that people are best equipped to meet the needs of the modern job market.

Testament to DPD's commitment to nurturing the next generation of the community is its "Schools Out for Summer" program. This program offers young adults, particularly the sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews of current employees, a chance to work within various departments of the company during the summer months. DPD provides these young people from the locality with invaluable insights into their future career paths, helping them to discover their passions, whether it’s a newfound love for one type of work, or an aversion to another. These experiences do more than just build skills—they foster connections, friendships, and a sense of belonging within the local community. Some participants choose to continue growing within DPD, gradually upskilling and contributing to the company's success. This initiative not only strengthens the local economy but also reinforces the company’s bond with the community, ensuring that the benefits of this knowledge and experience are felt by all.

DPD’s relationship to the local community extends beyond employment and education. The company actively supports local initiatives, from sponsoring sports teams to supporting groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association and Access For All. DPD's involvement in these activities underpins the philosophy that where the company and the community support one another, a relationship is built that benefits all.

As DPD continues to grow and support the local community, it is crucial to acknowledge the broader challenges facing Irish businesses, particularly those that have been part of rural towns for decades. Many of these businesses, often family-run for generations, are now under immense pressure from rising employment costs, including increases in minimum wage, statutory sick pay, and auto-enrolment pensions. These financial burdens pose significant challenges, especially for small businesses operating on limited margins. This is particularly concerning for legacy businesses in rural areas, where they have long been the heartbeat of the community. As overheads rise, many of these establishments face the risk of being priced out of existence, leading to a fundamental shift in the local commercial landscape.

While the government has provided some support, more robust measures are needed to maintain the competitiveness of local businesses and ensure they continue to thrive. Pay rates, housing, and infrastructure—particularly in education and healthcare—require urgent attention to prevent brain drain and instead support the next generation of workers. Without comprehensive support, the ability of companies like DPD to continue providing employment and sustaining local economies could be severely compromised, ultimately impacting the community as a whole.

DPD remains committed to deliver a better future for the local community. By providing access to education and employment, and actively engaging in community life, DPD is not just a business but a cornerstone of Athlone. The company’s ongoing investments in people and infrastructure ensure that it will continue to be a vital part of the local landscape for years to come, helping to shape a future where both business and community can thrive together.

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