Chamber President’s Statement re Establishment of Ireland’s Newest Semi-State Company, The Shannon Group plc

“The establishment of Ireland’s newest commercial semi-state company, The Shannon Group plc, is the beginning of a new direction for Shannon and the wider Atlantic Corridor area,” the Presidents of Ennis, Galway, Limerick and Shannon Chambers stated in response to its official establishment by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe on Friday, 5 September 2014.

“While much has been written and said about the gains achieved to date at Shannon Airport since it was made independent, the real significance of the new corporate entity can only now be gleaned as its four pillars – Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Enterprises Limited, Shannon Heritage and the International Aviation Services Centre (ISAC) –  gain the legislative ability to frame and sanction their strategic and operational directions.

“As highlighted in the recently released quarterly National Household Survey, the growing skew between the Dublin east coast area and the West of Ireland, which is pointing to an obvious lack of focus on balanced regional development in the country, needs to be addressed. The Shannon Group, with its remit for airport development, industry, tourism and property, can become the catalyst for better and stronger regional development and initiate much-needed change in how national economic activity is spread.

“The Shannon Group starts out on a strong footing. Early gains and achievements in delivering increased air access and an air of certainty at Shannon Airport have instilled a confidence in the local and regional communities  – the general public, industry and tourism sectors – and similar early gains in the Group’s other operational areas will serve to qualify the overall benefits of the combined assets of the Group.

“The official establishment of the Shannon Group now gives the board and management team clarity of purpose and a combined focus. We look forward to seeing the positive dividends that will emanate from their sphere of influence along the entire Atlantic corridor,” the Presidents concluded.

Issued on behalf of:

Ennis Chamber: Paddy Darmody
Galway Chamber: Frank Greene
Limerick Chamber: Cathal Treacy
Shannon Chamber: Kevin Thompstone

Release issued by Dympna O’Callaghan, molly d marketing
Shannon Chamber – PR
T: 061 369898 / Mbl: 086 2371508