Zoning in on the Shannon region, Shannon Chamber calls for:

1. A continuation of URDF funding to enable the implementation of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan
2. A Review of National Aviation Policy, and the permanent inclusion of Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme
3. Commitment to capitalising on the potential that Ireland’s west coast offers for the development of a Floating Offshore Wind sector
4. A review of General Work Permit salary thresholds

Chambers Ireland’s General Election Manifesto calls for a focus on reducing the regulatory burden for SMEs, delivering key national infrastructure including housing, energy, water and transport, devolving more practical powers away from Central Government to Local Authorities, as well as greatly increasing investment in our defence and cybersecurity capabilities to future-proof our burgeoning economy. The business organisation is also urging the next Government to address fundamental obstacles that are hindering business growth and quality of life across Ireland in order to ensure Ireland’s long-term economic stability, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

As one of 40 plus Chambers affiliated to the Chambers Ireland Network, Shannon Chamber, zoning in on issues specific to its members’ needs, is further calling on Government:

1. To commit to a new round of URDF funding to enable the delivery of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, particularly Phase 1, the OneShannonHub.
2. To deliver on its continual call for balanced regional development by undertaking a review of National Aviation Policy, which was last reviewed in 2015.
3. To assess and capitalise on the potential that the west coast of Ireland offers to develop a new floating offshore wind sector for Ireland, particularly in light of the potential impact of the US elections on Ireland’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment.
4. To review general work permit legislation, particularly its impact on the financial stability of many businesses.

Explaining the rationale for these specific asks, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said that the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which part-funded regeneration and rejuvenation projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, was recognised in Project Ireland 2040 as a means of delivering more compact and sustainable development,

“To recently discover that the Fund is almost exhausted and that no provision for renewing it has been made in Budget 2025 is beyond comprehension. The delivery of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan has, to date, been linked to being part-funded via URDF funding; however, with no fund currently in place, for this not to happen would be incomprehensible to us as a Chamber and to our members who have inputted to all stages of the plan to date. We would call on the incoming Government to review and replenish this Fund. The idea that yet another plan for Shannon would not be delivered simply cannot be allowed to happen.

“With regard to balanced regional development, we would further call on Government to commit to a review of the National Aviation Policy. This Policy has not been reviewed since 2015, but we, as a Chamber have been calling for its review for some time now, given the commitment in current policy to ‘carefully monitoring the business development of all airports for evidence that the prevailing network is operating at an optimum level’.

“Given the pending changes in the US government, and the fact that policy changes that could pose a risk to Ireland’s foreign direct investment are likely, our job as a country is to recognise the risk and adopt mitigating policies and actions. We have shown we can do this through past decades, in the face of US and EU change, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to adapt into the future. Now is the time to assess and capitalise on the economic benefits that floating offshore wind offers as a potential replacement sector for FDI in Clare and nationwide,”  Ms Downes added.

Given that an increasing number of its member companies are recruiting talent outside of Ireland, Shannon Chamber is also calling on Government to review the proposed changes to the General Work Permit, specifically the proposed salary threshold set to take effect in January 2025.

“With tight profit margins, retaining talent becomes increasingly difficult against larger competitors. Some companies have implemented various initiatives to enhance employee retention but an increase in the minimum salary proposed in the legislation is unsustainable. That is why we are calling on Government and will be asking the incoming Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to reconsider the proposed increase and engage in further consultation with employers regarding a review of the Minimum Salary Threshold; the ability to include bond/claw back clauses in contracts for employees who leave within two years; and to review the option to move employer after 9 months,” added Ms Downes.

Shannon Chamber’s specific requests to Government are in addition to the contents of Chambers Ireland’s general election manifesto, summarised below.

Chambers Ireland General Election Manifesto

Key Priorities:

1. Protecting Ireland’s Competitive Advantages

The first part of the Manifesto addresses Ireland’s current strengths and strategic advantages, which Chambers Ireland believes must be safeguarded to maintain the country’s competitive edge in an increasingly globalised economy. Key priorities include:

• Ensuring Ireland remains a top destination for FDI, while creating opportunities for homegrown businesses to thrive.
• Promoting Ireland’s key strengths to international audiences, reinforcing our position as a world-class hub for innovation, tourism and talent.
• Investing in our higher education system to ensure Ireland continues to offer a highly educated, skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the needs of modern industries.
• Investing in renewable energy to not only meet climate goals but to become a leader in this sector and realise the potential economic opportunities.

1. Securing Ireland’s Future Success

The second part of the Manifesto sets out a vision for Ireland’s future economic prosperity. Key priorities include:

• Developing and, crucially, delivering key national infrastructure including housing, grid, water, transport, ports and aviation infrastructure.
• Reducing the operational costs for businesses through taxation and regulatory reform.
• Ensuring a sustainable and resilient future by taking climate action, investing in skills development, defending our critical national infrastructure and promoting business innovation.
• Focusing on balanced regional development to create thriving local economies.
• Enhancing trade links and global market access through greater collaboration with strategic international partners.

Chambers Ireland’s General Election Manifesto is available to download here.