MID-WEST REGION NEEDS ‘URGENT’ GOVERNMENT SUPPORT – LIMERICK CHAMBER
Chamber President Noel Gavin calls on the next government to tackle issues at UHL, and to do more for housing and energy
The President of Limerick Chamber has said a lack of clear progress and a slow pace of policy development is hindering health, housing and the energy sector in the Mid-West region.
Noel Gavin was speaking at the annual Limerick Chamber President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards at the Strand Hotel in Limerick on Friday night, which was attended by Taoiseach Simon Harris. Noel Gavin said it’s important not to become complacent by focusing only on the positive indicators of a buoyant Irish economy.
Mr Gavin said: “University Hospital Limerick continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons, housing completions are falling short, and there is a visible absence of policing in many towns and cities. These are critical priorities for the Chamber, and we need a strong signal from decision makers that they are equally prioritised by the Government.
Additionally, the slow pace of policy development for harnessing renewable energy off the west coast is concerning. Implementing a Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for the West Coast is critical. From 2030, Ireland faces €8 billion in annual fines if we fail to meet our emissions and renewable energy targets. A ‘do nothing’ approach will cost us €8 billion a year—so we urge the incoming Government to adopt the ‘do something’ approach and move forward with DMAPs. This is not only essential for energy security but also for ensuring Ireland remains an attractive location for investment.”
Delivering his keynote address, Taoiseach Simon Harris described the Mid-West region as ‘vibrant, innovative and dynamic,’ and commended the Chamber for the support it provides to businesses in the region, noting in particular the challenges faced by small businesses.
Commenting on the work of the Limerick Chamber in driving business forward in the Mid-West, Noel Gavin said he takes ‘immense pride’ in its proactive role in advocating for the growth and development of the region, through initiatives such as its Energy on the Estuary events, the Better Regions Initiative and its active participation on the Shannon Estuary Economic Task Force.
The Overall Business of the Year went to DesignPro Automation, which delivers bespoke solutions for clients across the medical devices, robotics and automotive industries, while the President’s Award went to Milford Care Centre, which provides specialist palliative care and older persons services in the Mid-West. There were seven category winners across a broad range of industries.
Michelle Gallagher, CEO Limerick Chamber said: “We’re delighted to shine a light on the successes of all our winners and finalists. These businesses are part of the fabric of this great region and it’s so important for them to get this independent recognition and validation from our panel of judges. I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to everyone here tonight on an exceptional year in business.”
Damien Garrihy, AIB Business Banking Limerick and Clare, Sponsor of the President’s Dinner and SME Partner said: “It’s great to see first hand the phenomenal achievements of the nominated businesses year upon year, and the invaluable support provided to them by Limerick Chamber. However, there are significant challenges facing businesses in the region, particularly in the SME sector, and we would call on the new government to deliver more support in the face of high costs and other external pressures in order for them to not only survive but thrive. SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy and we need to ensure their future is safe in Limerick and across the country”
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, and sponsor of the overall Business of the Year Award said: “TUS plays a vital role in fostering emerging businesses in the Midwest. We believe that keeping young people in the region and offering them top class educational and training opportunities is the key to economic growth and prosperity into the future. It’s on nights like this that we see first hand the innovation, technology and incredible workforce that drives businesses to excel, and we want to continue to play our part in that through partnering with industry and in turn creating more jobs .”
KRB 15-11-2024 Limerick Chamber Presidents Dinner and Regional Business Awards at the Strand Hotel Limerick. L-R Prof Vincent Cunnane President of TUS, Noel Gavin President of Limerick Chamber, Best overall business of the year winner Redmond McDonnell CEO DesignPro Automation Michelle Gallagher CEO Limerick Chamber, , .. Picture by: Kieran Ryan-Benson
002: Limerick Chamber President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards at the Strand Hotel Limerick. L-R Prof Vincent Cunnane President of TUS, Best Overall Business of the Year winner Redmond McDonnell CEO DesignPro Automation, Noel Gavin President of Limerick Chamber, and Michelle Gallagher CEO Limerick Chamber. Photo: Kieran Ryan-Benson
Full list of winners
Overall Business of the Year sponsored by TUS
Design Pro Automation
President’s Award
Milford Care Centre
Category Winners and sponsors:
- DGD Shredding – Sustainability Leadership Award, sponsored by EY
- Elite Talent Hub Limited – Best Emerging Business, sponsored by Limerick City and County Council
- DesignPro Automation – Best SME of the Year, sponsored by AIB
- WrxFlo – Innovation Impact Business Award, sponsored by Holmes LLP
- Helium Arts – Best Not for Profit – sponsored by Northern Trust
- University Concert Hall -Excellence in Customer Experience – sponsored by BDO Limerick
- Serosep Limited – Best Employer Champion of Employee Well-being and Development 2024 – sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group
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