Region’s survival depends on airport says company director

THE region served by Shannon Airport does not have a hope of surviving without a viable airport, the Kilrush-based director of a foreign-direct-investment company told last Friday’s Kilrush Chamber dinner dance.
Saint-Gobain operations director John Costelloe said he and some of his management are driving to Dublin every second week to get flights, which is an unsustainable way to do business when there is a viable international airport in the region.
Addressing the local business people and two then Fine Gael TDs, Clare’s Pat Breen and guest speaker and former RTÉ correspondent George Lee, Costelloe stressed that “an M50-centric economy would not work for Ireland’s future”.
However, he said, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is operating well in Kilrush and has secured €600,000 investment for 2010, securing the plant’s future. Sales are down by 25% to €15 million but the plant is profitable, he said, unlike other plants around the world. Irish workers are not able to compete on a dollar-for-dollar basis with low-wage economies but are still able to outperform workers in places like China and Poland,” he said.
“Irish people work smart. We are going to be in Kilrush for a long time, as far as I am concerned,” he said.
He also said he would like to see a hotel in the town if it was any way possible. “I know it is difficult now but I really think it is important,” he stressed.
In presenting the annual Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Civic Award to the Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, he said the sight of litter or a dirty sign puts out a bad impression for businesspeople visiting from abroad. But a tidy town is a sign of a strong community spirit and pride. He expressed the hope that Kilrush, after winning three gold medals, would win the overall Tidy Towns award.
His sentiments were echoed by Tidy Towns Committee representative Murt Collins, who said the committee has been working on the project for 25 years.
“We are going to make a special effort in 2010. If Kilrush could win the national title, it would give us great publicity and bring business to the town,” he said.
The Saint-Gobain Spirit of Kilrush Entrepreneur Award was presented to Rebecca Brew and Kevin Clancy of Crotty’s Bar and Restaurant, Kilrush.
Kevin said the business is a tradition that dates back to 1914 and it is an honour to be the guardians of such an important place in West Clare’s heritage.
He said it had been an exciting and rewarding journey since he and his wife took over the business in 1994.
Rebecca said there is no more treasured award than a community one and the Saint-Gobain one was much appreciated. She added that as chairperson of the West Clare Tourism Forum, she is determined to bring the issues and attractions of the town and the other towns and villages in area to the county and beyond.