Shannon Chamber CEO looks ahead to 2024 following a busy twelve months

Shannon Chamber’s strategic intent on ensuring that Shannon’s legacy for pioneering, inspirational and entrepreneurial achievements is perpetuated and recognised was clearly evident in the Chamber’s wide-ranging activities in 2023.

Reviewing the past year, the business organisation says the launch of its Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026, in January, was a significant milestone.

In its strategy, Shannon Chamber pledges to be the voice and lobbyist for business in Shannon; to grow and deliver value to its diverse membership; to champion the delivery of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan; to promote the unique proposition of ‘Brand Shannon’ to grow the region’s economy and connectivity; to position the Chamber as a thought leader on issues that impact Shannon and the region; and to collaborate on promoting sustainability and renewable energy.

Reviewing the Chamber’s achievements against these objectives, Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “Our level of engagement with key stakeholders, via lobbying and submissions to Government, on issues impacting Shannon and the region increased in 2023. Significant progress was made on moving the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan to delivery stage with public consultation on the OneShannonHub now underway by Clare County Council. We welcomed an increasing number of overseas delegations to Shannon and we launched the new Mid-West Sustainability Network, which delivered the inaugural sustainability week for the region.

“We completed the year with a call to the Government to expediently capitalise on the great new opportunity the floating offshore wind sector offers Ireland and will be proactively collaborating with our Mid-West Chambers to move this forward in 2024,” said Ms Downes.

Focusing on business sustainability, Ms Downes highlighted the increased focus on upskilling and reskilling which was displayed by member companies in 2023 and which is expected to continue in the year ahead.

“Shannon was the industrial powerhouse for the raising of living standards in the Mid-West region since its embryonic years and this has continued to today, with a diverse industry base providing employment to over 10,000 people. We want to play our part in facilitating further growth in existing enterprise but also in new and developing sectors. That’s why, via our Skillnet business network, we partner closely with our member companies to create upskilling programmes that are responsive to their business needs and designed to develop future-ready talent," she said.

Motorists warned of likely delays due to planned roadworks at two locations in Ennis

Council says works will take place at separate locations in the town

“Shannon’s skilled and agile workforce has been a pivotal component of its economic development, both in supporting the growth of its indigenous industry base and in attracting multinational investment. The criticality of ensuring that the region’s workforce remains skilled and competitive cannot be overstated. Having the right talent enables companies to sustain through all industry cycles; it gives them competitive advantage and enables them to future proof their enterprises," she added.

Ms Downes confirmed that Shannon Chamber has applied to Skillnet Ireland for additional funding for the next three years to enable it to also plan ahead, scan the horizon for new trends and opportunities and ensure that its training offering delivers optional benefits to members.

"Engagement from companies has grown since we established the Skillnet network in 2015 and we will continue to apply for more funding opportunities as they arise,” she said.

Looking ahead to 2024, Ms Downes said the focus on sustainability will continue with plans currently underway to deliver a second sustainability week in autumn.

 “Our business networks are an intrinsic part of our offering to members. With four networks now operational – the CEO Forum, the HR Forum, the Mid-West Lean Network, and the Mid-West Sustainability Network – and delivering tangible benefits to members, due in the main to their activities being member led, the focus on collaboration will continue.