Press release
Tánaiste publishes details of new Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, today published the terms of reference for the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, following government approval for its establishment.
The new Taskforce will assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary and scope out potential opportunities for the area. The group will produce a report, specifying the actions which can be taken to create jobs and opportunities in the region by October of this year.
The Tánaiste said:
"The Shannon Estuary has the people, connectivity and natural resources to become an economic powerhouse. There is huge potential for economic development and job creation in the region, in areas such as wind, hydrogen and solar energy for example. The newly established Technological University of the Shannon will add to the talent pool and research and development capacity of the area, providing the skills and innovation needed for the region to exploit new and exciting opportunities.
"Since the foundation of the State, the Shannon Estuary has a proud history of leading industrial development; Ardnacrusha, Shannon Airport, Moneypoint, the Shannon Free Zone and the growth in industry we’ve seen in and around Limerick City as well as the development of UL. Now we must look ahead to the future. This group will help us set out the economic vision for the estuary for the next 20-30 years. The Taskforce will look at what makes the Shannon Estuary unique, how can it make the most of its position, resources and strategic advantage. It will examine the important sites, the region’s infrastructural and investment needs and specify the actions required from national and local government, as well as from other stakeholders, to exploit those areas of potential.
"This is a relatively quick piece of work. We are opening the call for expressions of interest for membership to the Taskforce today and expect a report back by October of this year. I look forward to receiving it and encourage those interested to get involved and apply now."
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.”
To fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Terms of Reference for the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are to:
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.
The membership will be selected through an open expression of interest process which will include the position of Chair of the Taskforce. 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 costs relating to their attendance at Taskforce meetings.
It is expected that the Group will provide a final report by October 2022.