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Karen Ronan Galway Chamber (CEO) , Shannon Chamber President, Helen Downes, and Sean Golden Limerick Chamber pictured as Galway Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Limerick Chamber are working together to strengthen a shared regional economy.
Pic. Brian Arthur

Three of the largest business organisations in the west of Ireland have called on the Government to fast-track the expansion of transport investment in the regions to support economic growth, improve connectivity and deliver balanced regional development.

Galway Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Limerick Chamber said that creating a truly connected western region requires urgent delivery of road, public transport, rail and aviation projects that are essential to supporting housing delivery, labour mobility, business investment and international competitiveness across the region.

The joint call by the three Chambers forms part of their separate pre-Budget 2027 submissions, which have been lodged with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure.

The business groups are calling for increased investment in regional airports, highlighting the central role international connectivity plays in driving economic growth, supporting indigenous enterprise, attracting foreign direct investment and sustaining tourism across the region. They said that investment in airports must be accompanied by investment across the wider transport network to ensure efficient access to international gateways for businesses, employees and visitors alike.

The Chambers are also calling on Government to accelerate delivery of key strategic road infrastructure projects including the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road. In addition, they are seeking increased investment in public transport, including the accelerated rollout of BusConnects in Galway and Limerick, alongside greater focus on developing integrated transport services that better connect cities, towns and communities across the western region.

The Chambers also stressed the importance of continuing to invest in the rail network as part of a balanced and integrated transport strategy. This includes progressing a feasibility study for the proposed Shannon Rail Link and continued investment in the Western Rail Corridor to strengthen connectivity across the west and support future sustainable transport needs.

The Chambers noted that the economic success of the western region depends on seamless connectivity between Galway, Shannon, Limerick. They said that an integrated transport system, combining strategic roads, public transport, aviation and rail infrastructure, is critical to unlocking the region’s full economic potential and strengthening its competitiveness both nationally and internationally.

Galway Chamber Chief Executive Karen Ronan said successive governments had committed to balanced regional development, but investment had not kept pace.

“The west has the enterprise base, the talent and the ambition to drive national economic growth, but it needs the infrastructure to match. A connected region is essential if we are to deliver housing, improve labour mobility, attract investment and enhance quality of life. Budget 2027 must prioritise delivery of the strategic transport projects that have been talked about for too long.”

Limerick Chamber Chief Economist and Director of Policy Seán Golden said investment in transport connectivity must be viewed as a national competitiveness priority.

 “The continued growth of the western region depends on our ability to move people efficiently between where they live, work, study and do business. Strategic investment in roads, public transport and rail infrastructure, combined with strong international connectivity through Shannon Airport, will strengthen links across the region, support enterprise growth and enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for investment.”

Shannon Chamber Chief Executive Helen Downes said “Shannon Airport, our cities and our growing towns are key economic assets. Ensuring they are connected through a modern and efficient transport network is fundamental to unlocking future growth opportunities. Investment in projects such as the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road and enhanced public transport services will deliver significant benefits for businesses, employees and communities across the region.”

Beyond transport infrastructure, the three Chambers’ Pre-Budget 2027 submissions contain a wide range of proposals aimed at strengthening regional competitiveness and supporting economic growth.

Galway Chamber is seeking increased investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, greater funding certainty for major capital projects and increased investment in skills, innovation and artificial intelligence and local authority funding reform.

Limerick Chamber is calling for measures to boost enterprise competitiveness, speed up housing delivery, regenerate Limerick city centre and develop the Shannon Estuary as a strategic hub for energy and industry.

Shannon Chamber is seeking increased investment the OneShannonHub regeneration project, alongside accelerated investment in offshore renewable energy infrastructure, housing delivery, workforce skills and artificial intelligence.