THE new Shannon Estuary Economic taskforce will report on strategies and actions to maximise the waterway’s potential in October
The terms of reference for a new taskforce to assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary were published recently.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar laid out the scope of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, following Government approval for its establishment.
By October it is to have produced a report, specifying the actions which can be taken to create jobs and opportunities in the region. Mr Varadkar said the Estuary has a lot of advantages to offer.
“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 actions required from national and local government, as well as from other stakeholders, to exploit those areas of potential.”
Membership of the taskforce will be on an unpaid basis, and it will be selected through an open expression of interest process.
Clare TD Joe Carey said that the creation of the taskforce is very important to the region.
“The formation of this taskforce is a key step forward for the Mid-West in the wake of the pandemic. It’s important that work begins with haste and that the actions and recommendations are acted upon swiftly by Government and its agencies.”
Green Party Senator Róisín Garvey also said that it is very positive news.
“I am delighted to see the Shannon Estuary getting the support I have been looking for for the area.
“It is such a valuable resource and needs proper sustainable supports that will both protect all it’s unique marine habitats and biodiversity, as well as create sustainable jobs in the region.”
She claimed that the Green Party is well aware of the importance of regional development.
“In his recent visit to Clare, Minister Eamon Ryan highlighted the importance and potential of the area for not only renewable energy, but also for sustainable tourism, farming for the environment and new green skills training, retraining and upskilling of the workforce.
“He also emphasised the need for regional rebalance and the development of industry and workforce away from the concentration on Dublin that has been so prevalent to date. The taskforce will help us set out the best way to do that.”
Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe said that it is very good news for the west of the county.
“For years now, the people of West Clare have felt that their part of the county has lagged behind in terms of opportunities.
“The commitment to delivering the Green Atlantic colossal offshore windfarm off of Moneypoint and repurposing the power station as a processing point for wind energy and a conversion facility for hydrogen fuels shows there is a strong future commitment to the west of our county.”
“The passing of the Marine Planning Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas just before Christmas also hugely overhauled the planning laws that govern offshore projects.
“The previous law dated back to the 1930s and was hugely outdated and an inhibitor to economic activity off of the County Clare coast.
“Now, the new taskforce being set up will help breathe further life into these projects and hopefully ensure that there are many spin-offs.”
Deputy Crowe said that there is a great degree of potential.
“As a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, I have repeatedly highlighted some of the untapped benefits of the large vessel berthing facilities at Moneypoint and the deep water channel that is the Shannon Estuary.
“There’s also great future potential in the Estuary area for tidal energy generation and I hope that this taskforce will now burn a bright light in terms of advancing some of these projects and unearthing new opportunities for the west of our county.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.