Limerick City, 27 March 2026 — Limerick Chamber hosted its flagship annual Business Luncheon today at the Castletroy Park Hotel, welcoming An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, as keynote speaker for this gathering of business and civic leaders from across the Mid-West.
This member event, sponsored by AIB, brought together entrepreneurs, SMEs, industry leaders, elected representatives and key stakeholders for a timely and constructive discussion on Ireland’s economic outlook, enterprise development, and the opportunities and challenges shaping both regional and national growth.
Opening proceedings, Limerick Chamber President Maria Gleeson welcomed guests and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between government and the business community.
She highlighted the region’s recent progress, pointing to key developments including Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030; the allocation of over 50 additional Gardaí to the Limerick Division alongside enhanced high-visibility policing in the city centre; the forthcoming expansion of the Living Cities Initiative supporting the refurbishment of pre-1975 buildings; advancements in energy infrastructure to diversify supply and strengthen energy security; and the recent land purchase in Raheen for a new hospital, marking a significant and long-awaited step forward for the Mid-West.
Ms. Gleeson said:
These achievements provide a strong foundation. When we align our local ambition with national policy, we achieve measurable success. The progress we are seeing across the Mid-West demonstrates what can be delivered through partnership and shared focus.
She also outlined a number of priority areas requiring focused national attention, including energy security and offshore wind development in the Shannon Estuary; the urgent need to accelerate housing delivery to alleviate the housing crisis Limerick is witnessing; increased investment in transport infrastructure; urgent review of the current directly elected mayoral legislation; and enhanced tax policy and SME supports to help retain talent and foster innovation.
Ms. Gleeson added:
Limerick has the ambition, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit to act as a central engine for Ireland’s ongoing growth. What we need now are the right policy decisions, targeted investment, and continued government support to unlock that full potential. Our 400 member companies, representing 50,000 employees and their families, stand ready to work with Government to deliver what our nation needs.
Addressing attendees, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD delivered the keynote address, reflecting on Ireland’s economic resilience and outlining government priorities to support sustainable growth, regional development, and enterprise.
Seán Cooke, Head of Retail Business Banking said:
At AIB, we are committed to supporting businesses and the communities they serve, and our partnership with Limerick Chamber is a key part of that. As the official SME partner, we see first-hand the ambition, resilience and innovation that exists across the Mid-West region.
We are delighted to support today’s event and to welcome An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Limerick, providing an important opportunity for meaningful engagement between Government and the business community. Moments like this matter – they allow us to connect, to share perspectives, and to focus on how we can collectively support sustainable growth and long-term economic success.
Kindly sponsored by AIB, the luncheon underscored the critical role of regional business hubs such as Limerick in driving long-term prosperity, while reinforcing the importance of partnership between government, enterprise, and local leadership. Media partner for the event was the Limerick Post.
