Lack of communication among State agencies highlighted

KILRUSH town councillor Ian Lynch has revealed that, on a recent visit to the US, he found that representatives of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland were unaware of plans to utilise Shannon Airport as a cargo hub.
Councillor Lynch was speaking at last month’s meeting of Kilrush Town Council, following a motion from Councillor Tom Prendeville asking that the members call a special meeting with interested organisations to examine ways and means of assisting local businesses to withstand the recession. He suggested the initiative could include marketing and promotion, a renewed Shop Local campaign, a rates-remission scheme for vacant commercial outlets, attracting industrial investment and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.
“Towns like Kilrush must fend for ourselves. It is vital that we take every opportunity available to promote our town to ensure we are attractive for new business development,” Councillor Lynch commented.
However, he then revealed there appears to be a lack of communication between some State agencies involved in the employment creation sector.
“I was quite shocked when I met with Enterprise Ireland in Boston and discussed the importance of Shannon Airport to lead economic growth in the Mid-West. Representatives of our State agencies in the US were oblivious to the possible development of a cargo hub and anticipated pre-clearance hub,” Councillor Lynch said.
“It’s quite obvious there is a clear lack of communication between State agencies and departments responsible for the development of Irish businesses in foreign markets. After lengthy discussions with Enterprise Ireland it was very evident that such a cargo hub with pre-clearance facility would have immense benefits to Irish companies, opening up vast new markets for export companies,” he added.
“Enterprise Ireland were in the process of securing a multimillion dollar deal for an Irish-based company to supply LED lighting to the refrigeration industry and such a pre-clearance cargo facility would have secured the deal much quicker. Thankfully, the deal was secured and alternative shipping was arranged,” Councillor Lynch said.
“While the IDA continue to secure investment in Ireland, the reality is that this investment is not making its way to the Mid-West. If we are going to ensure the survival of the West of Ireland, we have to stand up and fight for ourselves. It is our duty as a council to ensure that towns like Kilrush have explored and investigated every possible benefit to make our town and indeed county more attractive for businesses to set up,” Councillor Lynch concluded.