Investment fears over Shannon workers’ figures

JUST 3,000 people work in Shannon, according to official census figures, with fears this “anomaly” could result in the region losing out to future investment.
At this week’s meeting of Clare County Council’s Community, Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee, the preliminary census findings understating Shannon’s employed people by 9,000 were outlined to members.
Michael Neylon, from the council’s community and enterprise section, explained the data collected only refers to the area within the Shannon town boundary, with both the industrial estate and the airport left out.
Figures from the Clenagh and Drumline electoral divisions, including the industrial estate and airport, shows a total of 12,000 jobs in the area.
Mr Neylon added that in information used by the Western Development Commission, “the significance of Shannon seems to be less   Portumna”.
He explained the consequences of this data could be a poor gateway jobs profile, with the figures not taking into account multinational companies and he stated   the “apparent small population of people moving to work in Shannon suggests it to be of less significance to the hinterland”.
Director of service, Ger Dollard, commented, “Shannon is being misrepresented because people are not factoring in the employment base.” He stated   the matter has been raised with the department and the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA).
He told the meeting that NIRSA has “accepted this conveys a sense Shannon is not a significant employment area even though there are a considerable number of people travelling to work there”.
The department described the situation as “not usual”, citing Ringaskiddy as a similar area where this occurs. Mr Dollard added, “We have pushed the case for change and we will continue to push the case with the department.”
Councillor Michael Guilfoyle argued   these figures show Shannon as a small industrial area “somewhere   those who are making decisions nationally might see as not to be invested in”. He said the county’s Oireachtas members must be made aware of this.
Chairman of the meeting, Councillor Richard Nagle, said he found it “alarming” there would be a ­“misrepresentation of Shannon to its effective detriment. “This needs to be addressed as soon as possible,” he said.
Councillor Tommy Brennan argued, “Clare County Council don’t want to give the rates to the town council, it’s the same with Ennis.”
He added that he wants to see the boundary of Ennis withdrawn. “I would like to see the town of Ennis not split down the middle. It’s a farce putting a boundary down O’Connell Street.”
Councillor Pat McMahon warned   the census figures could “take Shannon out of the equation for getting investment”.
Councillor PJ Ryan stated, “It’s very important this is rectified. We have spent half our lifetime trying to promote Shannon.”