Tag Archives: Shannon Free Zone

The Government has made seven submissions for funding under the new EU Juncker investment plan for Shannon Airport. The European Commission under the auspice of Commission president, Jean Claude Juncker announced a €315 billion investment plan last November to get Europe growing again. Member states have been asked by the European Commission to submit an initial list of projects, which they felt could be suitable for the programme. Commenting on the inclusion of projects from Shannon Airport, Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune described it as “a vote of confidence.” “The seven projects include the construction of three c.6,751 square metre wide body hangers, full renewal of the Shannon airport runway, development of a corporate aviation and cargo terminal infrastructure, fourth generation office blocks in the Shannon Free Zone and refurbishment of the main Shannon airport terminal building,” observed Ms Clune. “One of my main concerns is that we would submit a fair balance of projects from outside the sprawling Dublin …

John Crane Ireland this week marked a milestone anniversary, as it celebrates 40 years since it planted roots in Shannon. The long-established company, which produces industrial sealing applications, currently employs over 90 workers, with an average length of service exceeding 20 years. To mark its 40 years, Shannon Group PLC made a presentation of County Clare bog oak to the company. Plant manager, Chris Milici said the company has had a very positive experience in Shannon. “The levels of expertise, commitment and dedication are second to none and we look forward to building on our heritage as we grow the business to new heights.” Congratulating the company on its 40th anniversary, Ray O’Driscoll, managing director of Shannon Commercial Properties (which is part of Shannon Group) said, “By any standards, 40 years is a very considerable commitment by a company to a location. It speaks volumes not just about the standards delivered week in, week out by the company but also its …

CATHAOIRLEACH of Clare County Council, John Crowe says Shannon Airport and the surrounding Free Zone have “never been better placed than now to generate new business.” Councuillor John Crowe was speaking following the formal establishment by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe of Shannon Group plc, which brings together Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Enterprises Limited, Shannon Heritage and The International Aviation Services Centre (IASC). The Cathaoirleach commented: “Ever since autonomy was granted to Shannon Airport there has been a sizeable growth in passenger numbers and new services. Likewise, the fortunes of the Shannon Free Zone and businesses based there have improved considerably during the past 18 months. Furthermore, tourism figures throughout the Mid West Region are also on the rise which is no small part down to the strong leadership that has been shown by those behind the positive developments that have taken place in Shannon.” He continued: “The Minister’s formal establishment of the new entity will also …

SHANNON Airport has scored another remarkable first as its chairman, Rose Hynes becomes  one of the founding board members of the World Free Zones Organisation. At its launch in Dubai this week, Ms Hynes was also appointed to the key role of  founding treasurer. The inaugural board gathered on Monday evening at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel in Dubai for the launch by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shannon is one of only two European free zones on the inaugural board, along with Barcelona. Speaking from Dubai, Ms Hynes said that the launch was another prestigious moment and one that offers great opportunity and promise for the Shannon Free Zone. “The Shannon Free Zone, as the first free zone in the world, has been replicated as a concept the world over in the 55 years since it was founded. It is an honour to be …

IF the Shannon Free Zone project was starting today, what would it be called? That’s the question Shannon Chamber president, Kevin Thompstone posed when addressing attendees at the chamber’s annual president’s lunch on Thursday. While the Free Zone has strong global brand recognition, Mr Thompstone suggested that in today’s environment, a descriptor such as Shannon Economic City or Shannon Economic Zone might better reinforce the concept that Shannon is not just a business park but a Special Economic Zone in Ireland offering a mix of airport, industrial, residential, commercial and green areas to facilitate economic activity. Almost 300 business people attended the lunch at Dromoland Castle to hear keynote speaker Barry O’Leary, IDA Ireland’s chief executive, comment on Shannon’s potential as an international investment location. “IDA is looking forward to working on behalf of Shannon and the wider region under a new structure. Our aim will be to support companies in the region, helping them transform their operations and also …