Mid Western Region
William J. Doherty
Executive Vice President Europe
Cook Medical
Chair American Chamber Mid Western Group
The American Chamber Midwest Group priorities during 2008 were dominated by a continuing focus on connectivity for international business,getting the proposed full Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-Clearance at Shannon fromthe Authorities in the US over the line and thetimely delivery of key infrastructure projects forthe region as part of the National Development Plan. Substantial progress can be reported on all three fronts.
At the start of 2009 new services in operation, and in the pipeline, between Shannon Airport, London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, together with daily transatlantic flights and the strong presence of Ryanair means that connectivity is at its strongest for many years. The region’s business and tourism interests, working together with the management at Shannon Airport and the State’s development agencies now have the opportunity to capture and service the Foreign Direct Investment base like never before.
In today’s world, connectivity is the lifeblood of international business. As well as connections to two of the busiest airports in Europe, the region’s Shannon Airport was granted full CBP pre-clearance facilities for transatlantic services to the US during 2008. These pre-clearance facilities will make it easier for airlines to do business in Ireland and will save time for business people travelling between Ireland and the US. It also opens other opportunities for the airport in terms of attracting corporate aviation and freight services to Shannon to avail of this facility.
On the issue of critical infrastructure - the completion of the Limerick Tunnel in 2010 and continuing improvements to the Limerick – Ennis – Galway road network through to 2011, plus the road out of the M7 will help to develop the Midwest as an even stronger and more vibrant business base which supports existing and future foreign direct investment in the region.
The presence of over 70 US multinational businesses in the Midwest makes it a significant business centre within Ireland. In spite ofthe sometimes gloomy headlines, the strong headwinds that 2009 will bring and the retrenchment among some businesses–2008 was a positive year with the announcement of over 1200 new jobs from 10 US multinationals making new investments and enhancing existing mandates.
The region's medical device sector received strong endorsement as a good place to do business with the expansions at Vistakom and Cook Ireland within the catchment area of the University of Limerick, while the arrival of a new manufacturing facility for Zimmer was a major success for the Shannon area.
New service and technology investments came from Channel Advisor, On Semiconductor, PAFS and DTS Licensing, while both Mentor Graphics and Microsemi gave a major boost to the Clare region with addition investments in both facilities being announced during the year.
In 2009 the American Chamber Midwest Group will continue to focus on:
- the completion of the Ennis-Galway section of the N18 which was accorded “accelerated priority” in the initial National Development Plan;
- the development of the commercial proposition for the Shannon Airport hub in advance of what we hope & expect will be the full commercial independence for the Shannon Airport Authority;
- the continued development of the recently established Post-Graduate Medical School at UL with increasing research opportunities,
- and the provision of an International Congress Venue within the region.
Mid Western Region at a Glance
The Mid-Western region comprises of counties Clare, Limerick, North Kerry, North Tipperary and South Offaly, which collectively have a population of approximately 450,000 people. The main population centre is Limerick City (52,539), alongside Ennis and Thurles.
- The region contains the highest concentrations of FDI companies in Ireland outside of Dublin, with 110 companies who employ in excess of 10,000 people.
- Key sectors in the Mid West include Aerospace, Software, Engineering, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Electronics and incorporate business activities of Customer
Support and Contact Centres, Supply Chain Management, Shared Services, Financial Services, Research & Development, production and international headquarters.
Access
Shannon International Airport had a total passenger throughput in excess of 3 million in 2008. In November 2008 Shannon, along with Dublin, became the first European airports to be granted full CBP pre-clearance facilities for transatlantic flights. When the facility opens in the summer, aircraft will be free to fly directly to domestic airports anywhere in the US. Shannon Airport has retained its position as the second-largest airport in the State in terms of passenger throughput and attracted more than twice the combined throughput of all the regional airports.
Shannon Foynes Port Company is the estuarial port authority with responsibility for the entire Shannon Estuary, one of Ireland’s greatest national maritime assets. It services the requirements of importers and exporters in the wide hinterland surrounding the estuarial system. The ports offer shipping to London, Paris and Rotterdam within a window of 48 hours.
Knowledge Infrastructure
The Mid Western region offers investors a choice of quality Business and Technology Parks that are fully serviced with quality building solutions and sites available for greenfield developments. Shannon Free Zone is an International Business Park and covers 600 acres, adjacent to Shannon International Airport. Since its establishment in 1959, over 100 overseas companies have chosen to invest in Shannon Ireland, with an employment level of 7,000 people. Shannon Free Zone is Ireland’s largest cluster of North American investments with 57% of foreign owned companies established at Shannon Free Zone beingUS owned. Powered by a strong economicoutlook, good connectivity, pro-business regulatory environment and cosmopolitan work environment, Shannon is one of Ireland’s stand-out business locations. These companies generate exports in excess of €2.5 billion per annum.
The Mid West has a highly developed international business support infrastructure, including a modern broadband telecom network, a sophisticated sub-supply base, professional service providers and a carefully planned physical environment to meet the needs of international business.
The Mid Western Region has a substantial advantage in the quality and excellent reputation of its third level institutions. Included in this is the internationally renowned University of Limerick (www.ul.ie) – with a population of 13,000 students the University is one of the leading sources of graduates for industry such as engineering, IT, materials science, sports science, humanities, social science and music. It has an established reputation for being Ireland’s leading university in industry-led research. Also, the Institutes of Technology in Limerick (www.lit.ie), Tipperary (www.tippinst.ie) and Tralee (www.itt.ie) host world class programmes and research activity in collaboration with industry.
Mid Western Lifestyle
Limerick city is set to see significant upgrading of its public areas including the pedestrianisation of city centre streets in a major urban renewal initiative. This combined with renewed focus on the river Shannon will help to complete Limerick’s re-branding as a River City and fitting capital of the Mid-Western Region. The region offers a city-centre, suburban or rural lifestyle within easy reach of the Atlantic coast and beautiful countryside.
Mid Western Region Events 2008
- R&D Meeting – Georgia Tech, February
- Members Spring Briefing – West Park Shannon, March
- Members Autumn Briefing – Dromoland Castle,
September , Sponsored by KPMG