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Shannon Chamber has called on Government to make a series of strategic Budget 2027 investments, including the establishment of Ireland’s National Aviation Apprenticeship Centre in Shannon, major investment in Shannon Airport and OneShannonHub, accelerated delivery of the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Scheme, funding to progress planning for the Shannon Airport Rail Link, and positioning the Shannon Estuary as Ireland’s Atlantic renewable energy hub. The Chamber says these investments will strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness, support balanced regional development, and unlock significant long-term economic growth.

This strategic investment framework forms part of Shannon Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, which has been presented to Government ahead of Budget 2027. Representing more than 330 companies employing in excess of 20,000 people, the Chamber argues that targeted investment in Shannon and the wider Mid-West will deliver national benefits by strengthening international connectivity, supporting enterprise growth, improving housing supply, developing critical skills and accelerating Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The submission is built around three strategic pillars:

• Connected Places: investing in transport infrastructure, Shannon Town Centre and international connectivity.
• Competitive Economy: supporting housing, workforce development, aviation skills and enterprise competitiveness.
• Future Growth: positioning the Mid-West as Ireland’s leading region for renewable energy, industrial innovation and long-term economic resilience.

Launching the submission, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said:

“Shannon has consistently demonstrated its importance to Ireland’s economic success. It is home to globally competitive industries, one of Europe’s leading aviation clusters, a highly skilled workforce and exceptional renewable energy potential. Budget 2027 presents Government with an opportunity to build on these strengths through strategic investment that will benefit not only Shannon and the Mid-West, but the country as a whole.

“Our recommendations are not simply regional funding requests. They represent an integrated investment framework that aligns directly with Government’s ambitions for balanced regional development, enterprise growth, climate action and national competitiveness. Investment in Shannon is investment in Ireland’s future.”

Among the Chamber’s principal recommendations are:

• Investment to deliver the OneShannonHub project and Shannon Town Centre regeneration.
• Increased investment in Shannon Airport through the Regional Airports Programme and the establishment of a Regional Airports Route Development Fund.
• Acceleration of the delivery of the N19 Shannon Airport Road Access Scheme.
• Expansion of integrated bus services connecting Shannon and surrounding towns and villages.
• Allocation of funding to progress planning and route selection for the Shannon Airport Rail Link.
• Prioritisation of the Shannon Flood Relief Scheme to unlock housing development.
• Increased investment in AI skills, employer-led workforce development and Skillnet Ireland.
• Confirmation of Shannon as the location for Ireland’s National Aviation Apprenticeship Centre.
• Enhanced supports for SME competitiveness, innovation and exports.
• Strategic investment to develop the Shannon Estuary as Ireland’s Atlantic renewable energy hub.

Ms Downes added: “For more than six decades, strategic investment has transformed Shannon into one of Ireland’s most successful centres of enterprise and international connectivity. Today, the region is home to globally competitive industries, internationally recognised aviation infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce and one of European’s most significant renewable energy opportunities.

“Shannon has the capacity to make an even greater contribution to Ireland’s future prosperity. By investing strategically in connectivity, housing, skills, enterprise and renewable energy, Government can strengthen regional growth while enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly challenging global economy.”

The Chamber said it looks forward to continuing to work with Government, State agencies and regional stakeholders to ensure Budget 2027 delivers strategic investment that supports sustainable economic growth, stronger communities and increased national competitiveness.

The full submission Shannon Chamber Pre-Budget 2027 Submission FINAL has been forwarded to Government Ministers for consideration as part of the Budget 2027 process.