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Limerick, Shannon and Tralee Chambers call for full assessment of existing ports before further East Coast capacity is developed

 Shannon Chamber, Limerick Chamber and Tralee Chamber Alliance have joined forces to call for Shannon Foynes Port and the Shannon Estuary to be placed at the heart of Ireland’s plans for West Coast economic growth and offshore renewable energy.

In separate submissions on the Draft National Ports Policy, the three Chambers make a common case for greater recognition and investment in Shannon Foynes as a nationally important Atlantic port.

They are calling for coordinated investment in the port, roads, rail, electricity grid and other infrastructure, alongside a clear plan for the development of offshore renewable energy on the West Coast.

The Chambers also believe Government should fully assess the potential of Ireland’s existing Ports of National Significance before committing to major new port capacity on the East Coast.

Shannon Foynes combines deep-water access, available development land, rail connectivity and proximity to Ireland’s Atlantic offshore renewable energy resources.

The Chambers believe this gives the port the potential not only to provide additional national trade capacity, but also to support offshore wind, renewable fuels, manufacturing, logistics and regional supply chains.

They are also calling for greater certainty around the development of offshore renewable energy, including a clear and time-bound Designated Maritime Area Plan process, aligned with energy auctions, grid development, port investment, enterprise and skills planning.

Seán Golden, Director of Policy with Limerick Chamber, said: “Any reform of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) should follow meaningful consultation with ports, regional stakeholders and the wider maritime sector. Government needs to clearly set out the reason for change, the benefits and costs involved, the proposed governance structure, and how a revised organisation would improve delivery rather than add another layer of administration.”

Helen Downes, CEO of Shannon Chamber, said: “Shannon Foynes should be seen as part of Ireland’s future economic and energy infrastructure, not simply as a regional port. Investing in nationally important assets outside Dublin can increase port capacity, strengthen supply chains and support more balanced regional growth. National designation now needs to be matched by investment in the port, its road and rail links, energy infrastructure, skills and enterprise.”

Colette O’Connor, CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, said: “The benefits of developing Shannon Foynes would extend well beyond the port itself. It could create opportunities for businesses and communities across Kerry and the wider region in engineering, logistics, construction, renewable energy and professional services. Success should be measured by the jobs, businesses and supply chain opportunities created throughout the region.”

The three Chambers said Ireland cannot achieve balanced regional development if major infrastructure investment continues to be concentrated around Dublin and the East Coast.

They are calling for a transparent, location-neutral assessment of the additional capacity that can be delivered through Shannon Foynes and Ireland’s other existing Ports of National Significance before major new port infrastructure is developed elsewhere.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Limerick Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Tralee Chamber Alliance made separate submissions to the consultation on the Draft National Ports Policy. All three support the strategic development of Shannon Foynes Port and the Shannon Estuary, while highlighting the importance of infrastructure coordination, renewable energy, supply-chain participation and balanced regional development.

A summary of the Chambers’ priorities for the final National Ports Policy

• A transparent national assessment of existing and potential capacity at all Ports of National Significance before major new East Coast infrastructure is prioritised.
• Formal recognition of Shannon Foynes Port as a strategic Atlantic trade and offshore renewable energy hub.
• A defined West Coast offshore renewable energy pathway aligned with port and grid investment.
• Recognition of the Foynes Island Deepwater Development as nationally strategic enabling infrastructure.
• Coordinated delivery of port, road, rail, electricity grid, utility and energy infrastructure.
• A clear and bankable State funding framework for nationally important port projects.
• Regional skills, apprenticeship and workforce planning.
• Measurable participation by regional SMEs and indigenous businesses in port, energy and infrastructure supply chains.
• Meaningful consultation and appropriate regional representation in any reform of the IMDO.