As a contributor to the Government’s National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) in its own right and as a member of the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC), Shannon Chamber is looking forward to an address by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD at its summer luncheon next week.

The luncheon, which will be held in Dromoland Castle Hotel on Friday, 15 June is sponsored by L&M Keating and the Construction Industry Federation. This is the first time a Minister in this portfolio has addressed Chamber members, whose business growth and competitiveness are intrinsically linked to having a quality infrastructure,  which is a central pillar of the NPF and the National Development Plan (NPD).

Speaking ahead of the luncheon, Shannon Chamber’s CEO Helen Downes said: “We are delighted that the Minister has given our members this opportunity to have future development plans for the region explained in this regional setting where their impact will be most felt. Our goal as a Chamber is to ensure that regional development is kept to the fore in all aspects of national planning.

“Whilst the NPF is a welcome signal from government that it is serious about growing regional Ireland, one of the main stumbling blocks for growth in the regions has been a distinct lack of infrastructure. Thankfully, the Mid-West is in a good place in terms of many aspects of infrastructure, and employment figures are good, but we still need to grow the population base within the region.

“As stated in the National Competitive Council’s Costs of Doing Business in Ireland 2018 report, ‘a well-functioning property market enhances the competitive performance of our cities and towns, improves quality of life and attracts overseas investment’. We look forward to hearing the Minister’s comments in this regard,” added Ms Downes.

Gordon O’Regan, CEO of L&M Keating, a key player in the construction sector in Ireland and event sponsor added: “As the main sponsor of the event L&M Keating are proud to welcome Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to Shannon. We are encouraged by the National Development Plan in support of the National Planning Framework and, in particular, the important themes in terms of developing regional Ireland.”

Bookings for the luncheon are still open and places can be reserved online at www.shannonchamber.ie/events