Shannon Chamber was delighted to participate in a delegation from the Irish Chamber of Commerce Network, led by Chambers Ireland that met with key officials from across the European Commission earlier this month.

With representation from Chambers of Commerce across Ireland, the objective of the trip was to highlight the need for the European Commission to proactively engage with the business community, particularly SMEs, on issues like trade, innovation, skills and regulation.

Outlining the rationale for the visit, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “Following on from the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, it is now more important than ever for the voice of Irish business to be heard in Brussels. While we are steadfast in our belief that Ireland’s economic future can only be secured if it remains at the heart of a strong Europe, we also believe that the EU must evolve and adapt in these changing times. The voice of business must be listened to.

“The Chamber Network briefed various European decision makers on the key concerns of Irish business. Even with the highest rates of growth in the EU, we are a small open economy and we are considerably exposed to external forces and the uncertainty stemming from Brexit.  We must ensure that the European Commission continues to support growth, job creation and innovation.”

Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes said it was a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the entire EU process and to discuss how decisions at European level affect Irish business. A number of SMEs also participated in the delegation and I was delighted that Atlantic Aviation Group’s owner Patrick Jordan travelled as it was an ideal way to bring an SME’s specific issues to the table.”

The visit to Brussels was an advance to the “European Parliament of Enterprises., organised by Eurochambres in cooperation with the European Parliament, where more than 800 entrepreneurs from 45 European countries and from all business sizes and sectors will gather in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels to act as MEPs for one day, debating and voting on crucial business related policy issues.

-Ends-

For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email susan.mcdermott@chambers.ie.

Notes to Editor:

• Chambers of Commerce represented as part of the Irish Chamber delegation to Brussels include; Cork Chamber, Fingal Dublin Chamber, Galway Chamber, North Kildare Chamber, Shannon Chamber, South Dublin Chamber, Waterford Chamber and Wexford Chamber
• As part of the day’s itinerary, the Irish Chamber Network delegation met with the Irish Ambassador to the European Union, representatives from the Irish Regions Office, DG Trade, DG Growth and the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME)

Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.