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Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber presents the Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission to Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Finance and Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Friday, 5 September 2025: Shannon Chamber presented its Pre-Budget 2026 Submission to Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers during a Chambers Ireland facilitated meeting held in the Department of Finance today, where Chambers Ireland also presented its Pre-Budget 2026 Submission.

Shannon Chamber’s submission is calling on Government to adopt a regionally balanced, pro-enterprise and climate-smart agenda to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in the Shannon region and beyond.

Representing over 330 member companies employing 20,000 people across aviation, manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and professional services, Shannon Chamber emphasises the urgent need for strategic investment in infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, and skills development to safeguard Ireland’s competitiveness and attract future investment.

The submission outlines six key policy priorities for Budget 2026:

1. Delivering critical regional Infrastructure including immediate capital funding for the delivery of the OneShannonHub, the transformative civic, innovation, and community project included in the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan ratified by Clare County Council in January 2022
2. Accelerating housing investment to unlock enterprise growth and talent retention, through access to low-cost finance for SME developers, modular housing promotion, and procurement reform.
3. Implementing a National Aviation Strategy that fully integrates Shannon Airport into Ireland’s connectivity framework though permanently including the airport in the Regional Airports Programme and undertaking a review of National Aviation Policy. The submission also calls for investment in public transport access to the airport including a Shannon rail link, and increased Tourism Ireland funding to promote regional air connectivity.
4. Scaling renewable energy infrastructure through prioritising floating offshore wind development on the West Coast, grid upgrades, and enhanced incentives for green investment to position Ireland as a global leader in clean energy.
5. Enhancing enterprise supports to boost competitiveness and innovation, including measures to reduce SME cost pressures, such as monthly VAT refunds, enhanced R&D tax credits, and improved entrepreneurial relief to encourage innovation and growth.
6. Expanding skills development though delivering increased funding for digital and green transition skills, new AI-focused initiatives, and training voucher schemes to support SMEs in adapting to technological change.

Commenting on the submission, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “Budget 2026 is a critical opportunity to deliver on Ireland’s commitments to balanced regional development and climate action. Shannon and the Mid-West region contribute significantly to the national economy, with the Shannon Free Zone alone generating over €3 billion in annual exports. However, housing shortages, underinvestment in regional infrastructure, and the slow pace of renewable energy deployment risk undermining our competitiveness. We need decisive, regionally focused policies to unlock growth and retain talent.”

The Chamber is urging Government to:

• Fund the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan and OneShannonHub to enhance liveability and attract investment.
• Include Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme and accelerate public transport access including a rail link.
• Invest in floating offshore wind and renewable energy infrastructure to leverage Ireland’s natural advantages.
• Unlock additional resources for skills development, particularly in AI and digital transformation.

“We were delighted with the opportunity to meet Ministers Donohoe and Chambers in person. Our message was clear. If Ireland is to remain globally competitive and nationally resilient, Budget 2026 must address the structural challenges impacting regional economies. A pro-business, climate-smart agenda is not just desirable – it is essential. The Ministers recognise the value of the Chamber network and look forward to further engagement in the months ahead,” added Ms Downes.

Shannon Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2026 Submission can be viewed at www.shannonchamber.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Shannon-Chamber-Pre-Budget-2026-Budget-Submission.pdf