SHANNON Chamber has called on the government to provide affordable housing for workers to keep talent at home, a reviewed aviation strategy, and a rail link to Shannon airport.
Shannon Chamber presented its pre-budget submission to Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers, calling for greater supports for the region.
Representing over 330 member companies employing 20,000 people, Shannon Chamber emphasises the urgent need for strategic investment in infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, and skills development to safeguard Ireland’s competitiveness and attract future investment.
The submission outlines six key policy priorities for Budget 2026, including the immediate capital funding for the delivery of the OneShannonHub, the transformative civic, innovation, and community project included in the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan ratified by Clare County Council in January 2022
Also on the Chamber’s wish list was accelerating housing investment to unlock enterprise growth and talent retention, through access to low-cost finance for SME developers, modular housing promotion, and procurement reform.
Another key ask was the implementation of a National Aviation Strategy that fully integrates Shannon Airport into Ireland’s connectivity framework through permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme and undertaking a review of National Aviation Policy.
The submission also calls for investment in public transport access to the airport including a Shannon rail link, and increased Tourism Ireland funding to promote regional air connectivity.
Also listed was the scaling of renewable energy infrastructure through prioritising floating offshore wind development on the west coast, grid upgrades, and enhanced incentives for green investment to position Ireland as a global leader in clean energy.
The government was also asked to consider expanding skills development though delivering increased funding for digital and green transition skills, new AI-focused initiatives, and training voucher schemes to support SMEs in adapting to technological change.
Commenting on the submission, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said that “Budget 2026 is a critical opportunity to deliver on Ireland’s commitments to balanced regional development and climate action”.
“Shannon and the Mid West region contribute significantly to the national economy, with the Shannon Free Zone alone generating over €3billion in annual exports.
“However, housing shortages, underinvestment in regional infrastructure, and the slow pace of renewable energy deployment risk undermining our competitiveness. We need decisive, regionally focused policies to unlock growth and retain talent.”
