Kilrush mayor holds US talks

DURING his recent visit to the United States, Mayor of Kilrush Ian Lynch met with Brian Stack of CIÉ Tours, who undertook to review CIÉ’s current policy of their tour buses not stopping in Kilrush.
Councillor Lynch said he emphasised the significance of Kilrush as a tourism destination.
“I explained that if CIÉ Tours were to stop in Kilrush, this would result in a significant increase to the local economy, greatly helping the town’s economic recovery. Mr Stack committed to carrying out a review of Kilrush as a possible tour stop and further arrangements are to be made in the next few weeks,” the town mayor said.
During his trip, Councillor Lynch also met with the Consul General of Ireland, Boston-based Michael Lonergan. The mayor presented Mr Lonergan with a copy of Kilrush, Live, Work, Play – Investing in your Future, a document the mayor produced prior to his trip to the US to highlight the benefits for businesses of establishing in Kilrush.
“Detailed discussions took place on the many benefits Kilrush has to offer and the future development opportunities in not only the vast tourist industry available in Kilrush but also in clean-tech industries, call centre bases, cloud computing and other high-tech industries,” Councillor Lynch said.
“Mr Lonergan highlighted the accessibility of Kilrush via the enhanced road network and also the accessibility by sea. I used the opportunity to highlight the importance of Shannon Airport and the vital role it will play in the economic recovery of the west coast of Ireland. I also highlighted the possibility of Shannon Airport being established as a cargo hub and the importance of cargo pre-clearance to give Shannon Airport a true identity and advantage as an international airport with in Europe. This would provide an excellent opportunity to establish new business within the Shannon Free Zone and Clare,” Councillor Lynch said, adding he had urged the consul general to use any political influences he may have to progress the issue as a matter of urgency.
“Mr Lonergan committed to discussing the issue with Minister Francis Fitzgerald on her state visit to Boston and also with members of Congress to achieve progress,” Councillor Lynch said.
On the same day in Boston, Councillor Lynch also met with IDA vice-president Paul Veale.
“This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the real possibilities of foreign direct investment to Ireland, the Mid-West Region and Kilrush. The face-to-face meeting gave an opportunity to discuss the real benefits of Kilrush Town and attracting foreign direct investment,” the mayor explained.
As part of his journey to New York with the Clare County Council delegation for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the mayor arranged the visit to Boston where the main focus was establishing contacts that may assist in the promotion of Kilrush and encourage businesses to review the possibility of establishing a base in Kilrush.