West Coast Chambers Back Shannon Foynes as Atlantic Trade and Offshore Energy Hub
Limerick, Shannon and Tralee Chambers want existing national port capacity assessed before major new East Coast infrastructure is prioritised
30 September 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Three West Coast business groups have called for Shannon Foynes Port to be placed at the centre of Ireland’s plans for offshore renewable energy, trade infrastructure and regional economic development.
Limerick Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Tralee Chamber Alliance have made separate submissions to the Draft National Ports Policy, with all three calling for greater recognition and investment in Shannon Foynes as a nationally important Atlantic port.
A central proposal is for Government to carry out a transparent, location-neutral assessment of the additional capacity available at Ireland’s existing Ports of National Significance before prioritising major new port infrastructure on the East Coast.
The Chambers argue that Shannon Foynes offers a combination of deep-water access, development land, rail connectivity and proximity to Atlantic offshore renewable energy resources.
They want the port formally recognised as a strategic Atlantic trade and offshore renewable energy hub, supported by coordinated investment in roads, rail, electricity grid capacity, utilities and energy infrastructure.
The Chambers are also seeking recognition of the Foynes Island Deepwater Development as nationally strategic enabling infrastructure.
The proposals extend beyond additional freight capacity. The three organisations see Shannon Foynes and the wider Shannon Estuary as having the potential to support offshore wind development, renewable fuels, manufacturing, logistics and regional supply chains across the West and South-West.
Helen Downes, CEO of Shannon Chamber, said national designation needed to be backed by investment.
“Shannon Foynes should be seen as part of Ireland’s future economic and energy infrastructure, not simply as a regional port,” she said.
“Investing in nationally important assets outside Dublin can increase port capacity, strengthen supply chains and support more balanced regional growth. National designation now needs to be matched by investment in the port, its road and rail links, energy infrastructure, skills and enterprise.”
A defined pathway for West Coast offshore renewable energy is another priority. The Chambers are seeking a clear and time-bound Designated Maritime Area Plan process aligned with renewable energy auctions, electricity grid development, port investment, enterprise policy and skills planning.
They are also calling for a clear State funding framework capable of providing investment certainty for nationally important port projects.
Colette O’Connor, CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, said development of Shannon Foynes could generate economic activity across a much wider regional supply chain.
“The benefits of developing Shannon Foynes would extend well beyond the port itself. It could create opportunities for businesses and communities across Kerry and the wider region in engineering, logistics, construction, renewable energy and professional services,” she said.
“Success should be measured by the jobs, businesses and supply chain opportunities created throughout the region.”
The submissions also address potential reform of the Irish Maritime Development Office, with the Chambers seeking meaningful consultation with ports, regional stakeholders and the wider maritime industry.
Seán Golden, Director of Policy with Limerick Chamber, said any changes to the IMDO should demonstrate how they would improve delivery.
“Government needs to clearly set out the reason for change, the benefits and costs involved, the proposed governance structure, and how a revised organisation would improve delivery rather than add another layer of administration,” he said.
The Chambers are seeking regional representation in any future reform of the IMDO, alongside regional skills and apprenticeship planning and measurable participation by SMEs and indigenous businesses in major port, renewable energy and infrastructure supply chains.
Their joint position is that future national port investment should consider the capacity of existing strategic assets across Ireland before additional infrastructure is concentrated around Dublin and the East Coast.
