Shannon

WHILE there were a number of positives at the Shannon Free Zone last year, the numbers working there ultimately declined by 4% in 2010, the Shannon Development annual report shows.There were 362 new jobs created at the Free Zone last year but 616 jobs were lost, a nett loss of 254.The overall loss follows on from a nett loss of 787 jobs (11% of the total) in 2009 and a net gain of 108 jobs in 2008.In the annual report, it was claimed the overall performance was quite good in the circumstances. “The Shannon Free Zone performed well against a difficult global business environment in 2010. During the year, 362 new jobs were created. Among the job highlights in 2010 was the announcement of up to 117 Shannon Development-supported new jobs at US global financial security firm Genworth Financial. While overall employment at Shannon Free Zone fell 4% year on year, it should be noted that almost 90% of these …

A TORRENTIAL downpour didn’t deter between 250 and 300 men, women and children from taking part in the first ever Marie Keating Foundation sponsored walk, organised by the Charlie Tully Celtic Supporters’ Club. Kenny McGorrian, PRO of the club, said there was a great level of interest from the public and it was a very enjoyable event.“The heavens literally opened up within minutes of the walk starting and by the time we had gone 500 yards, everyone was drenched but such was the atmosphere, the jokes, the banter and joviality that the weather conditions paled into insignificance. “As the crowds began gathering, it was evident the weather forecast wasn’t going to be a factor and by 11.30am, we already had a 100-strong crowd assembled for the walk. As each minute passed, the numbers just got bigger and bigger, with walkers coming from as far away as Offaly and Newcastle West, with others coming from Ballycar, Ennis, Sixmilebridge and Shannon.”Guest of …

THE Office of Public Works (OPW) have pledged €150,000 to improve local flood defences.In an email this week, the OPW stated, “The Shannon Airport River Defences are allocated €150,000 to strengthen some 155m of the critical embankment using a rock armour revetment in front of the existing embankment.”The move was welcomed by Clare TD Pat Breen who said getting resources at the present time is very positive. “There is work needed on the embankments so this money is very welcome. It is a very difficult time to get resources and this will help to strengthen 155m of the critical embankment.”Funding has also been provided for works to combat coastal erosion at Quilty, bringing the allocation to projects in Clare to over €220,000.Senator Tony Mulcahy also said the funding was welcome and the importance of keeping the embankments in good condition must be borne in mind. “Any money that is allocated in the current climate is very welcome. As we know, …

THE Shannon Green Party recently held one of their first public events, a meeting on the topic of the introduction of water charges.Gerben Uunk lives in Hurlers Cross and is involved in the local branch of the Green Party. He said people should get a certain amount of water for free, before charges kick in. “There should be an allowance, where people are allowed to get a certain amount of water for free. Also, water meters need to be in place and if you use less you should get a smaller bill,” he said.He said he was unsure how existing proposals for charges had been arrived at. Mr Uunk said that although the party has been hit with a drop in support nationally, they are hopeful of building up a strong party unit locally. “We have a few members at the moment and we are trying to get it up and running,” he added.He said the local organisation is planning …

A MAYO business man met with Shannon area councillors last week, discussing his proposal for an €85 million green energy facility in the town, which he says has the potential to deliver a massive economic boost.

A PROPOSAL to develop a major green energy plant is to be outlined to local councillors on Thursday. Sean Daly of the Carbon Sole Group is to give a briefing on the possible development of a green energy facility in Shannon, which would deliver a significant amount of local jobs, with much employment also resulting from the plant’s construction. It’s understood that Shannon is the favoured location, although the Carbon Sole Group has looked at other locations in the West of Ireland.Representatives of Carbon Sole previously met with Sligo councillors, as Sligo is its second favoured location. Following the Sligo meeting, it was reported the facility would have a cost of €65 million and would generate a spend of €15 million a year. It was also estimated that 40 to 50 direct jobs would be created at the plant, with another 150 in haulage and forestry, with around 150 during the construction phase.Pat Stephens of the Limerick Clare Energy Agency …

WORK has been continuing on preparing a social history of Shannon, with long-time and former residents of the town being interviewed.The Shannon Social History Project got underway in the spring and is being led by Olive Carey. “It’s going along very well. There are about ten interviews done and there are at least 50 more to do!” she said.Olive says that she has spoken to a number of people who were in Shannon at the very beginning and many have spoken of the strong community spirit in the new town. “At the moment I’m focussing on the older residents of Shannon Town, the people who would have come in the initial stages of the set up. I’m getting great memories of those days in the town and the sense of camaraderie that seems to have been here. “What comes up again and again is that because they were here without their family support systems with them that they had to …

SHANNON Chamber has sent a communication to the Minister for Finance highlighting members’ concerns regarding the cost of doing business in Clare, with particular reference to the burden of local government charges.In a statement, the chamber said, “The communication makes reference to the continuous and aggressive efforts member companies are making to address deficits and expenditure in their own organisations to guarantee their survival. “Shannon Chamber has called on the minister to review the local government operational model, reduce commercial rates and increase the funding allocated from the Local Government Fund/General Purpose Grant.”The chamber has also requested the Government examine and increase the Local Government Fund to Clare County Council as a means of redressing the burden being imposed on businesses by excessive local authority charges.“Shannon needs to remain competitive as an investment location for new foreign direct investment and for the indigenous sector. For this reason, Shannon Chamber strongly believes that businesses should be encouraged and supported in their …