Limerick Chamber celebrates success of second installment of their Energy of the Estuary event series

Limerick Chamber, in partnership with our esteemed SME Strand Partner AIB, is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of our second instalment in the “Energy on the Estuary” event series, titled “Port Opportunities.” Building on the momentum generated by the inaugural event in February, this series has captured the attention and enthusiasm of businesses and entrepreneurs across the Mid-West region.

In light of the recent launch of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, Limerick Chamber was committed to facilitating a platform that would inform, educate, and provide practical insights into the vast array of opportunities available to businesses in the Midwest. These opportunities encompass supply chain management, contractor roles, and potential project support.

AIB, our dedicated sponsor for this event, played a pivotal role in making this insightful event possible. Damien Garrihy of AIB extended a warm welcome to all attendees as they gathered at the Foynes Yacht Club to explore the dynamic possibilities of the Shannon Estuary saying

AIB are delighted to be partnering with Limerick Chamber on such a vital topic. Sustainability is close to our hearts in AIB. In 2017, AIB established a dedicated energy climate action and infrastructure team which has grown to over 30 people. It has funded onshore, offshore wind and solar projects in Europe, the UK, and North America.  In Ireland, the team is a funder to over 900 megawatts of renewable energy projects. As an Irish bank, we are match-fit to support the roll-out of offshore wind in Ireland which is so fundamental to us achieving the country’s binding climate objectives.

The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, each offering unique perspectives on the opportunities presented by the Estuary. These included:

Karen O’Reilly – SSE plc
Liam Curran – Enterprise Ireland & Gaelforce Cluster
Sean Golden – Limerick Chamber
Pat Keating – Shannon Foynes Port Company

Miriam O’Connor, Limerick Chamber President said

The huge opportunity that we have here around us to harness this amazing renewable energy resource, it’s there to be taken, but unfortunately, and it was very evident in the room today there is a lot to be done at government level to enhance the policy in this area or we risk losing the considerable investment that’s sitting there waiting to be taken. The time for talking has ended, it’s now a time to call for action.

Also speaking at the event was Limerick Chamber Chief Economist and panelist Seán Golden who said

The goal of today was a call to action for businesses. How we can keep the pressure on and ensure this topic is kept the conversation. We must make sure we advocate to improve policy in this area and take full advantage of the resources of the Atlantic Ocean.

The event attracted a diverse range of businesses from the Mid-West region, all eager to gain valuable insights into the potential opportunities that may arise in the coming years and the actions taken by the region to ensure the Mid-West is harnessed in achieving our national goals.

Limerick Chamber is proud to have provided this platform for networking, learning, and collaboration, and we extend our gratitude to our sponsor, AIB, for their invaluable support. As we continue to foster innovation and growth in the Mid-West, we look forward to more engaging and enlightening events in the “Energy on the Estuary” series.

Last week, we had our 2nd Energy on the Estuary event, which focused on the opportunities that Shannon Foynes Port has in generating offshore wind energy. We need to take advantage of our resources before it’s too late ⏰
Thanks to @AIBBiz for sponsoring the event 👏 #BackedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/ED3nI5xFRF

— Limerick Chamber (@LimerickChamber) September 22, 2023