6th May 2022
The first meeting of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce took place today in the University of Limerick. The new Taskforce has been appointed by Government to assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary and to scope out potential economic opportunities for the area. The group will produce a report, specifying the actions which can be taken to create jobs and secure investment along the estuary and in its vicinity. It will report by the end of November this year.
Commenting after the meeting, the Taskforce Chairman, Barry O'Sullivan said;
"This morning's meeting was a valuable opportunity for Taskforce members to introduce themselves to colleaguesin the group. It is evident from the broad range of expertise around the table that there is the potential to put forward an ambitious and innovative body of work to help shape the future development of the Shannon Estuary region and the broader economy nationally. I look forward to working with Taskforce members and engaging with all stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead."
The Taskforce expressed its sympathies to fellow Taskforce member Professor Eamonn Murphy and his family on the sad passing of his daughter Valerie.
Notes for Editor
Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce - Terms of Reference
The Programme for Government committed to supporting the Shannon Estuary and surrounding area through the establishment of a Taskforce to evaluate the potential of the area and determining how this potential can be realised. Specifically, the Programme for Government states:
“We will ensure that local development plans are developed to stimulate economic activity for those areas that were expecting economic development arising from new fossil-fuel infrastructure. As part of this, we will consider the potential of the Shannon Estuary in terms of regional economic development across transport and logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism, and develop a strategy to achieve this potential, with support from the Exchequer.”
Core task and functions
To fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Terms of Reference for the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are to:
- assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary from an investment and enterprise development perspective, in a national and international context
- scope potential areas of opportunity for the Shannon Estuary and specify policy and investment requirements to exploit those areas of potential
- assess the current connectivity of the region and make recommendations as to how this could be enhanced
- specify the actions required from national and local government, as well as from other stakeholders, to exploit those areas of potential
- produce a Report and associated Action Plan with specific steps in areas of potential
The Taskforce Report will be presented to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It will subsequently be considered by Government.
There will be a programme of engagement with the relevant local authorities as part of the Taskforce’s work.
Membership
The membership was selected following an assessment with reference to the criteria as set out in the EOI process. The Taskforce will also be supported by senior officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
Additional experts may be invited to attend meetings of the Taskforce from time to time, where they have a particular contribution to make in an area under discussion.
Membership of the Taskforce shall be on an unpaid basis. Members may have reasonable vouched expenses reimbursed if they incur transport relating to their attendance at Taskforce meetings.
The members of the Taskforce are:
- Barry O’Sullivan (Chair) – formerly of J&J and current IDA Board Member
- Mary Considine – CEO Shannon Group
- Siobhan Dolan Clancy – Managing Director – SDC Business Consulting Ltd
- Seán Hegarty – ESB Generation and Trading
- Seamus Hoyne – Dean of Flexible and Work Place Learning - Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
- Pat Keating – CEO Shannon Foynes Port Company
- Professor Eamonn Murphy – University of Limerick and Chair of Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan
- Dr Brendan O‘Donnell - Vice President Research and Vice President Academic Affairs & Registrar - Munster Technological University
- Dee Ryan – CEO of Limerick Chamber
- Professor Luuk van der Wielen – Director Bernal Institute, University of Limerick
The Taskforce will be supported in its work by a secretariat from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment alongside Paraic Rattigan (Programme Manager for Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan) and Jonathan Hoare (Programme Manager for South-West Regional Enterprise Plan).
Timeline
It is expected that the Group will provide a final report by end-November 2022.
Ends
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