THE SHANNON ESTUARY could become “an economic powerhouse,” the Tánaiste has stated following publication of the terms of reference for a taskforce to examine its strengths and identify future opportunities.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce which is to assess the strengths and advances of the Estuary while also scoping potential opportunities for the area.
A report is to be produced by the group by October 2022 specifying the action which can be taken to create jobs in the region. A programme of engagement with relevant local authorities such as Clare County Council will form part of the taskforce’s work.
Members of the taskforce will be carrying out their role on an unpaid basis, except for travel expenses. The membership will be selected through an open expression of interest process which will include the position of Chair of the Taskforce. The taskforce will also be supported by senior officials from Government Departments and agencies. Additional experts may be invited to attend meetings of the Taskforce.
In May of last year, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Varadkar said the publication of the terms of reference were being “finalised” and due for publication that summer but this was delayed for a period of nine months.
Speaking on Tuesday, Varadkar commented, “The Shannon Estuary has the people, connectivity and natural resources to become an economic powerhouse. There is huge potential for economic development and job creation in the region, in areas such as wind, hydrogen and solar energy for example. The newly established Technological University of the Shannon will add to the talent pool and research and development capacity of the area, providing the skills and innovation needed for the region to exploit new and exciting opportunities”.
He continued, “Since the foundation of the State, the Shannon Estuary has a proud history of leading industrial development; Ardnacrusha, Shannon Airport, Moneypoint, the Shannon Free Zone and the growth in industry we’ve seen in and around Limerick City as well as the development of UL. Now we must look ahead to the future. This group will help us set out the economic vision for the estuary for the next 20 to 30 years. The Taskforce will look at what makes the Shannon Estuary unique, how can it make the most of its position, resources and strategic advantage. It will examine the important sites, the region’s infrastructural and investment needs and specify the actions required from national and local government, as well as from other stakeholders, to exploit those areas of potential”.
Establishing the taskforce is a “key step forward for the Mid-West region,” in the wake of COVID-19, Joe Carey TD (FG) maintained. “It’s important that work begins with haste and that the actions and recommendations are acted upon swiftly by Government and it’s agencies”.
Spin-offs from offshore projects on the Estuary will result from the taskforce’s work, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) predicted. “For years now, the people of West Clare have felt that their part of the county has lagged behind in terms of opportunities. The commitment to delivering the Green Atlantic colossal offshore windfarm off of Moneypoint and repurposing the power station as a processing point for wind energy and a conversion facility for hydrogen fuels shows that there is a strong future commitment to the west of our county. The passing of the Marine Planning Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas just before Christmas also hugely overhauled the planning laws that govern offshore projects”.
Deputy Crowe said that Shannon Estuary’s deep water channel and the large vessel bathing facilities at Moneypoint have untapped potential. “There’s also great future potential in the Estuary area for tidal energy generation and I hope that this taskforce will now burn a bright light in terms of advancing some of these projects and unearthing new opportunities for the west of our county.”
According to Senator Martin Conway (FG), the Shannon Estuary has “potentially enormous economic benefits for Clare”. He welcomed the “tight reporting deadline” in place for the taskforce which is “critical for West Clare infrastructure and jobs potential”. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) said the creation of the taskforce recognised necessary support for the area.
