Fine Gael TD for Co. Clare, Mr Joe Cooney has received confirmation from Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Mr Peter Burke, that a leading Irish company is expected to announce a significant investment in Shannon this summer.
Raising the issue the Dáil during a Topical Issue debate on industrial development and employment opportunities in the Mid-West region, (latter which covers three counties: Tipperary, Clare and Limerick, with a population of 473,269 or about 9.94% of Ireland’s total population), Deputy Joe Cooney said the expected announcement would be a strong boost for the region.
Deputy Cooney said the development would be a key step in strengthening the region as a counterbalance to Dublin’s economic concentration.
He stated, “The over concentration of development in Dublin is not just a Dublin issue, it is a national planning challenge. The Mid-West, and Shannon in particular, can and should act as a counterbalance, providing space, capacity and opportunity for sustainable economic growth.”
He further stated that Shannon has the infrastructure and capacity to support major investment, “Shannon offers what Dublin increasingly cannot, including space for enterprise, aviation development, space for housing, and space within the planning system to move with speed and ambition. That is why it is ideally placed to support Ireland’s next phase of balanced regional development.”
Minister Burke told the Dáil that the Mid-West region was “uniquely positioned” for enterprise growth and confirmed that a major announcement was expected later this summer.
He continued, “There will be a very significant announcement during the summer by a leading Irish-born company in relation to Shannon. This will be a strong testament to the work of Government in providing key infrastructure and supporting a highly skilled workforce.”
The Minister added that Government policy was focused on “unlocking the full economic potential of all regions”, highlighting Shannon Airport, Foynes Port and strong links with third-level institutions in the Mid-West.
Deputy Cooney said the region must continue to be developed as a genuine alternative economic hub, “Balanced regional development cannot just be a policy aspiration. It has to be delivered in practice. Shannon has the assets, the talent and the ambition to play a central role in delivering that balance.”
He said he would continue to work with Government, agencies and local stakeholders to secure further investment and employment opportunities in the region.
The details of the investment are expected to be announced later this summer.
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