The first meeting of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce has taken place at University of Limerick.
The new Taskforce was appointed by Government to assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Shannon Estuary and to scope out potential economic opportunities for the area.
Membership of the group includes Professor Luuk van der Wielen, Director of the Bernal Institute at University of Limerick and Professor Emeritus Eamonn Murphy, who is Chair of Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan.
The group, which met for the first time in UL last Friday, will produce a report, specifying the actions which can be taken to create jobs and secure investment along the estuary and in its vicinity.
It will report by the end of November this year.
Commenting after the meeting, the Taskforce Chairman, Barry O'Sullivan said: “This morning's meeting was a valuable opportunity for Taskforce members to introduce themselves to colleagues in the group. It is evident from the broad range of expertise around the table that there is the potential to put forward an ambitious and innovative body of work to help shape the future development of the Shannon Estuary region and the broader economy nationally. I look forward to working with Taskforce members and engaging with all stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Taskforce expressed its sympathies to fellow Taskforce member Professor Eamonn Murphy and his family on the sad passing of his daughter Valerie.
The members of the Taskforce are:
- Barry O’Sullivan (Chairperson) – formerly of J&J and current IDA Board Member
- Mary Considine – CEO Shannon Group
- Siobhan Dolan Clancy – Managing Director – SDC Business Consulting Ltd
- Seán Hegarty – ESB Generation and Trading
- Seamus Hoyne – Dean of Flexible and Work Place Learning - Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
- Pat Keating – CEO Shannon Foynes Port Company
- Professor Eamonn Murphy – University of Limerick & Chair of Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan
- Dr Brendan O‘Donnell - Vice President Research & Vice President Academic Affairs & Registrar - Munster Technological University
- Dee Ryan – CEO of Limerick Chamber
- Professor Luuk van der Wielen – Director Bernal Institute, University of Limerick