Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland, Alexandria Forbes, MeiraGTx and An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin pictured at the unveiling of MeiraGTx’s industry-leading gene therapy manufacturing facility in Shannon. Pic. Brian Arthur

“The fact that MeiraGTx has established the first commercial-scale gene therapy manufacturing site in Ireland at Shannon is a great endorsement for the Free Zone and adds to the already impressive list of firsts attributed to this high-calibre investment location,” stated Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes on the occasion of the company’s official opening by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, in Shannon today (Friday, 15 August 2022).

“Shannon has an impressive association with innovation and to see this continue with the arrival of companies of the calibre of MeiraGTx is most encouraging. Not only is the company providing valuable employment for our graduate population but, through the linkages it has established with the region’s educationalists, it is ensuring that the teaching required to develop, test and manufacture gene therapies is being built into the curricula of our third-level colleges to ultimately deliver the skills output. Such collaborations are most valuable and beneficial for both the company and the colleges.

“We congratulate MeiraGTx for selecting Shannon to play such a leading role in the company’s evolution, and the Shannon Airport Group, through its commercial property team, for delivering a most impressive facility to accommodate the three facilities. It makes a striking mark on the skyline of the Shannon Free Zone. The success of IDA Ireland is securing this investment for Shannon, joining the 150 clients in the Mid-West region, must also be acknowledged given the competitive foreign direct investment global landscape the IDA operates in.

“Shannon Chamber welcomes MeiraGTx into its membership fold and looks forward to working with and supporting the Shannon team as they embed into their new operating environment,” added Ms Downes.