Tag Archives: Shannon Chamber

THE publication on Saturday evening of the list of essential service providers under the new public health guidelines is most welcome, according to Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes following a day of confusion amongst member companies as to how their operations would be classified. Having received a many phone calls from concerned chief executives following An Taoiseach’s announcement of new travel and work restrictions, as to whether they would need to start shutting down operations at short notice, Ms Downes has welcomed the fact that companies, on reading the detail, can now assess if their operations are classified as essential. While many Shannon companies have kept production operational to date, many were questioning overnight as to what steps they would need to take over the weekend to either shut down or maintain operations and advise staff accordingly. Following a teleconference call with over twenty companies on Saturday, Ms Downes stated: “Our members want to do what’s best for their staff …

OBAIR Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council, will host an opportunity for Shannon-based companies to meet with young people from Newmarket on Fergus and surrounding areas at the Obair offices in Newmarket on Fergus on Wednesday, from 7 to 8pm. Companies, ranging from aviation, life sciences and innovation and autonomous modular manufacturing will discuss employment and training opportunities available to young people in their area. Information on apprenticeships, internal training and job prospects will also be discussed with young people considering their future options, as well as those who have recently left school and would like to avail of work in the Shannon area. This is the first time Shannon Chamber, Clare County Council and local community organisations have joined forces to offer new ways to support young people in the communities of Clare. Parents and Youth Workers are welcome to attend and young people can submit questions for the companies in advice of the event. There will be …

In a break from its norm, Shannon Chamber went back to school recently to host its first apprenticeships evening at St Patrick’s Comprehensive in Shannon. The purpose of the evening was to encourage students and their parents to embrace apprenticeships as a career route and to show that there is a way into work that suits students of all aptitudes. Judging by the turnout of over 160, this was an event that touched the hearts and minds of all. The buzz in the auditorium, after the presentations by the five participating companies, pointed to a keen interest by attendees to find out more about the apprenticeship schemes run by Molex, Modular Automation, Element Six, Lufthansa Technik Shannon and Atlantic Aviation Group. The fact that most presentations were given by employees, who had practical experience of being an apprentice, added greatly to the value of the event. Process engineering manager with Molex, Michael Collins saw his career progress from toolmaker to …

WITH the economy apparently thriving, Christmas was quite positive for local retailers. On Wednesday morning as they reopened their doors, several traders told The Clare Champion things had gone well. Although Christmas Eve hadn’t been particularly hectic, busy earlier trading had more than made up for that, said Patrick Bourke. “We had two record days, the Friday and Saturday, December 22 and 23. The busiest days in a long, long time. That helped matters and it was part of the reason why Christmas Eve was back a bit, there was so much spent on the Friday and Saturday.” His store in Kilrush performed well, he said. “Kilrush had a very good Christmas. It came later in Kilrush than it did in Ennis but it turned out well, there is no doubt about that. This year, the emigrant factor wasn’t quite as noticeable as other years. We had the wedding end of it alright, with a lot of people back for …

One of the most influential figures in world aviation, Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG) will visit Shannon next Friday to give the keynote address at Shannon Chamber’s President’s lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel. The event is being supported by GECAS in recognition of its 50th year legacy in aviation finance. Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes said they were delighted, after much perseverance, to have secured the head of one of the leading airlines in the world, parent company of Aer Lingus and British Airways, plus Iberia and Vueling, to address their annual luncheon. “It is most appropriate, given the concentration of aviation companies in Shannon, and the fact that AG’s strategies and ambitions are particularly relevant to Shannon, that he has chosen to visit us at this time. “This is an event which has been most welcomed by our members and we are looking forward to hearing Mr Walsh’s views on future developments and trends …

With the Government hosting a series of All-Ireland sectoral dialogues to assess how the UK’s decision to exit from the EU may impact on this country, Shannon Chamber is taking a similar approach to the aerospace sector. The business group has invited the CEO of the Irish Aviation Authority to address members at a breakfast briefing in the Inn at Dromoland on Thursday, February 9. Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes said, “As highlighted in the National Aviation Policy for Ireland, published in 2015, aviation plays a crucial role in Ireland’s economy and, as an island nation,we are more dependent on aviation than our trading partners. “This 2015 report pointed to the overall value of the sector to Ireland’s economy – €4.1bn to our GDP: €1.9bin directly from aviation, €1.3bn through the supply chain and €0.9bn from associated spending by people employed in aviation. “It supports 26,000 jobs directly and a further 16,000 in the supply chain.Ireland’s tourism, which is …

CLARE County Council has been included in Chambers Ireland’s shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2016, announced today (Thursday). The council is included among the 23 local authorities shortlisted over sixteen categories. Commenting on the announcement, Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes said, “Shortlisted in the Supporting Tourism category for its involvement in and support for the Ennis Book Club Festival demonstrates the council’s commitment to showcasing the county as a vibrant tourism destination for themed initiatives of this nature. Entering these awards and reaching the final listings is a great commendation for everyone involved in the Ennis Book Club Festival, which is going from strength to strength.” Continuing, she said,“With Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2016 just a week away, in which Clare County Council will be heavily involved, and with the newly appointed CEO, Pat Dowling, set to take up his position in September, we anticipate seeing the council enter, be shortlisted, and win many more awards …

Neil Pakey is leaving Shannon Group next summer, after its board opted not to renew his contract and Shannon Chamber has expressed disappointment at the Scot’s departure. Chamber president Kevin Thompstone said, “Neil has not just seen the connection between the airport and the region but made and reinforced that connection. He has contributed and delivered many innovative undertakings, which have benefited the airport, the region at large and the entire western seaboard.” Mr Thompstone, who served as chief executive of Shannon Development for eight years, added, “He has a track record of delivering for Shannon and the region. Shannon’s loss of this experience will be somewhere else’s gain.” December was a month of ups and downs for Mr Pakey, as days before it was announced that he would not have his contract renewed at Shannon, he received a Limerick person of the month award. Councillor PJ Ryan, cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, said he too was very surprised …