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MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú pictured with Shannon Chamber president Mark Nolan and CEO Helen Downes. Photograph by Eamon Ward

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has reaffirmed her commitment to championing the priorities of the Shannon region at a European level, following a recent meeting with Shannon Chamber.

Issues discussed during the meeting included Shannon Airport’s eligibility for the National Regional Airports Programme, the urgent housing shortage impacting talent attraction and retention, the lack of investment in Shannon Town Centre infrastructure, the effects of EU directives and regulations on business, and funding opportunities for skills development and local authorities.

Outlining her role as a political advocate rather than a primary decision-maker, Ní Mhurchú emphasised the importance of collaboration and stated her willingness to work with organisations such as Chambers of Commerce to deliver positive outcomes for her constituents, including Chamber member companies.

Stating that the purpose of her meeting with Shannon Chamber was to ensure that Shannon’s voice is heard in Brussels, she said she looked forward to working with the Chamber to identify and champion issues that matter most to local businesses.

Shannon Chamber President Mark Nolan and CEO Helen Downes highlighted the Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission, calling for the permanent inclusion of Shannon Airport in the National Regional Airports Programme. They noted that under EU State Aid rules, airports with fewer than 3 million passengers qualify for inclusion. Cynthia committed to examining EU State Aid regulations and to further exploring Shannon Airport’s case for support.

According to Ní Mhurchú,

“Shannon airport is a vital piece of infrastructure for the entire western region of Ireland. It brings jobs and investment, and it is imperative that we invest in the airport and continue to develop infrastructure in the Shannon area.” 

The severe housing shortage was flagged as a key constraint on economic growth, with companies struggling to attract and retain talent despite strong job creation. Zoning in on Shannon Town Centre, Mr Nolan stated: “Shannon Town remains the weak link in the region’s overall infrastructure. Multiple master plans for the town centre remain unimplemented, contributing to a perception of Shannon as simply an airport rather than a vibrant town. This must be addressed urgently to match the investment already being made at industry and airport levels.”

High costs, overregulation, and inconsistent application of EU directives were also raised. Ní Mhurchú, a member of the Internal Market & Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Transport Committees, pledged to seek to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and to support SMEs through proportionate and consistent regulation.

According to Ní Mhurchú,

“We need to reduce the regulatory burden on small business. I will be sending a clear message to the EU Commission that now is the time to act to cut red tape. Our small businesses are swimming in a sea of red tape and that is hindering the EU economy.” 

She invited Shannon Chamber to gather specific examples of regulatory challenges from local businesses to inform future EU policy discussions and offered to host joint meetings with businesses to understand legislative impacts.

Acknowledging delays in floating offshore wind and decarbonisation projects, Ní Mhurchú, reaffirmed her commitment to these strategic priorities, warning that ongoing delays could threaten Ireland’s climate targets. She also stressed the need for workforce upskilling and digitalisation supports to maintain SME competitiveness.

On the topic EU funding, and her work in compiling and disseminating information on funding opportunities, she highlighted the lack of EU funding officers in local authorities.

“Only three local authorities currently have EU funding officers – this represents a missed opportunity to access funding at county level,” she stated.

Chamber president Mark Nolan welcomed the meeting stating: “EU legislation impacts Irish businesses across areas such as GDPR, sustainability, taxation, and competition law. Engaging early with MEPs allows us to influence policies before they are finalised and ensures we have a direct channel of communication for future issues.”

The Chamber is now planning a member event with MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, and looks forward to her participation at its upcoming Transport & Tourism Luncheon at Dromoland Castle Hotel on Thursday, 16 October, where guest speaker Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will address members.