Shannon Free Zone is renowned as a competitive location for international manufacturing and traded services. Over the past number of years, an increasing number of international services companies have also found that its fiscal benefits have impacted positively on their cost-effectiveness.
The Zone, which is internationally recognised as one of the largest cluster locations of overseas investment in Ireland, offers a particularly attractive location from which to carry on manufacturing, traded services, international logistics and distribution, financial services and customer support activities. Highly competitive operating costs, top quality people and an attractive incentives package, combine to make Shannon one of the most compelling investment locations in Europe.
A new development at the Shannon Free Zone, Westpark Shannon, is a unique thirty-eight acre Business Park concept aimed at attracting and catering to the next generation of high technology, IT and knowledge-based businesses. Over the next ten years, this €200m investment will provide state-of-the-art accommodation extending to one million square feet for a broad variety of mobile investment projects including research and development and high quality technology operations. Westpark Shannon is a private sector company initiative in partnership with Shannon Development.
The role of the Marketing Department is the provision of programmes and approaches to impact positive incremental growth in the new enterprise base throughout the Region.
The Department promotes key business parks in the Region, including the Shannon Development Knowledge Network locations and their associated InnovationWorks,, Raheen Business Park, and newer parks such as Westpark Shannon.
Shannon Development created the Shannon Development Knowledge Network which comprises five world-class technology locations, to support the development and growth of technology-driven enterprise in the Shannon Region. The parks in Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, Birr and Ennis, the newest addition which is at development stage are state-of-the-art technology driven locations where businesses can avail of a wide range of assistance. All locations have close links with local third level colleges and offer a range of programmes and initiatives including mentoring, incubation space, networking opportunities and advice on business planning and funding.
Each location has an InnovationWorks facility which offers an integrated system for incubating and growing high-potential, indigenous companies. InnovationWorks provides new business with a range of support services, including direct high-speed fibre optic telecommunications, giving InnovationWorks companies rapid access to the global marketplace. InnovationWorks facilities are housed within smart buildings, individually designed around the needs of growing knowledge-age businesses. Clients have use of conference and meeting rooms as well as other resident business resources.
The National Technology Park Limerick was formally inaugurated in 1984 as the first Irish Science/Technology Park. It is managed and developed by The National Technological Park Plassey Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary company of Shannon Development. This mandate includes the physical and infrastructural development of the Park as well as the encouragement of a process of innovation, linkage and technology diffusion.
The Park is currently home to more than 80 separate organisations in a balanced blend of multinational subsidiaries, Irish technology companies, InnovationWorks, R&D entities and support services employing over 3,000 people and occupying more than 25 separate buildings with a floor area in excess of 130,000 sq. meters (1.4 million sq. ft.)
With the University of Limerick at its core and with active links to the Limerick Institute of Technology, the whole thrust of the Park's development has been to harness the technology resources on the site and particularly those at the University of Limerick campus towards the needs of enterprise and economic development.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, yet within walking distance of Tralee town with its lively restaurants, pubs and shopping, Kerry Technology Park (KTP) is a business location of unrivalled quality and potential. The Park is home to a dynamic community of growing companies and is a recognised hub of technology and knowledge intensive enterprise in the South West. InnovationWorks Kerry, a high quality business incubation space, is an integral part of the Park. KTP shares a 113-acre campus with the Institute of Technology Tralee, which offers courses at Diploma, Degree and Post-Graduate level. With 3,500 students and over 250 academic staff, the Institute is an integral part of Kerry Technology Park.
Located in the thriving town of Thurles, the Park provides local, national and multinational enterprises with advanced business facilities and telecommunications services, and is designed to provide the North Tipperary region with a local centre of business innovation and excellence. The InnovationWorks facility at Tipperary Technology Park incorporates custom-built business incubator space designed to accommodate the needs of new knowledge-based enterprises. The Park is complemented by the resources of the Tipperary Institute, Ireland’s newest third level college.
The uniquely constructed Birr Technology Centre commands a superb riverside location right in the heart of the bustling heritage town of Birr. It is just a short walk away from the elegant town centre, flanked by leisurely parks and riverside walks as well as the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Complementing the unique character of the town, the Centre is housed in a modernised mill building, which combines an attractive mix of original features with state-of-the-art business services and facilities, and access to third level programmes and facilities of Athlone Institute of Technology.
Information Age Park Ennis is one of the Shannon Region's premier locations combining world class business services and connectivity with thriving town centre facilities and a wealth of outstanding natural amenities. The Park has been specifically created to meet the ongoing needs of established and potential businesses for the knowledge age. Information Age Park Ennis will provide over 750,000 sq. ft. of high quality business space, and is designed to offer knowledge-based enterprises the perfect location in a landscaped urban environment.
Located on a 35-acre parkland setting on the outskirts of Ireland's most progressive town, Shannon Development's Information Age Park Ennis offers knowledge based enterprises the perfect location to establish and grow.
E-Towns is a Shannon Development initiative to develop in partnership with Local Authorities and communities a 21st century model for the ongoing and future development of a number of smaller towns and villages in the Shannon Region. Its primary aim is to help disperse economic activity and job creation to smaller towns/villages that may not otherwise benefit from State-supported new business investment.
In partnership with the Local Authorities and local communities, eTowns will be rolled out in four towns in the region - Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; Cappamore, Co. Limerick; Newport, Co. Tipperary and Tarbert, Co. Kerry. A fifth town, in Co, Offaly will also be included.
Property Development mobilises Shannon Development's portfolio of industrial infrastructure and the network of local offices throughout the Shannon Region, securing new development initiatives through local action and the creative use of property assets.
This provides property-related initiatives in a model for sustainable, inclusive and balanced development. The asset base of property is leveraged with a network of clients and partners for strategic development projects in key regional locations, with emphasis on an integrated and cross-sectoral approach, embracing both industrial and tourism sectors.
Key initiatives include the development of Kerry Technology Park in Tralee, Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles, Birr Technology Centre and the Information Age Park Ennis.
The use of Property assets facilitates the Company being mainly self-financing from a revenue and capital perspective.
The Tourism Group works with a range of tourism partners to develop and enhance the visitor facilities of the region and to promote specific products in order to stimulate tourism growth in counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and South Offaly. The company's work is complementary to that of Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland which are responsible for actively marketing and promoting Ireland as a whole to overseas visitors.
Shannon Development's primary role is to initiate and support tourism development as a key element in the achievement of overall economic growth throughout the Shannon region.
To accomplish these objectives, the Company has established three units focusing on key support activities. Furthermore, a subsidiary company, Shannon Heritage Ltd, directly develops and operates a number of tourist attractions in the region.
Having a comprehensive range of quality tourism projects is an essential pre-requisite of the Tourism Development Strategy for the region. The Shannon Development team works proactively, and in partnership with the industry, to secure and stimulate tourism investment in the region in order to ensure it has a strong tourism product base of accommodation, visitor facilities, entertainments, activities and amenities.
Shannon Development's Tourism Product Promotion unit works with the region's trade to attract holiday-makers to the Shannon Region all year round. This unit supports and co-ordinates a drive to develop tourism programmes and holiday packages. Shannon Development works closely with, and in support of, tour operators, group producers, incentive houses, travel media and other key influences.
Shannon Development operates a network of 12 Tourist Offices throughout the region. They aim to ensure that visitors to the Shannon Region are furnished with information and a range of services that help them to enjoy the region and to enhance their experience of Ireland.
Shannon Heritage Ltd, which is a Shannon Development Company, was one of the first companies in Ireland to develop and run heritage attractions and evening entertainment. It was devised as a magnet to keep visitors in the region for longer. It was established by Shannon Development in 1986 and over the years has been market leader in the tourism industry. The tourism product portfolio has developed from one product in 1963, which was the Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, to a total of eight day visitor experiences and four evening entertainments. All of the expertise gained over the years is brought to bear to ensure that all visitors have a fun, value-for-money experience.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty, Co. ClareIreland's Top Day Visitor Attraction. Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. The Folk Park, set on 26 acres, recreates 19th Century Ireland.
The Park's features include a recreated village street, farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmith's forge, Mac's pub and restaurant, and a display of 19th Century agricultural machinery. A range of activities can be organised on request: dancing and singing in Mac's Pub, treasure trails, demonstrations, fashion shows, etc. Medieval banquets are held nightly. Open daily, year-round.
Knappogue Castle
near Quin, Co. ClareBuilt in 1497 it was recently restored in 15th Century style, retaining its unique medieval character and atmosphere. Knappogue Castle also offers newly restored 19th Century walled gardens as well as nightly banquets. Knappogue is also a venue for Weddings and the castle?s state rooms provides luxurious accommodation in a stately setting Open daily, May to October.
King John's Castle
King's Island, Limerick CityA visitor attraction of international standard, King John's Castle is in the heart of Limerick's Medieval Heritage Precinct on King's Island. Features of the castle include; 13th Century King John's Castle restored and recreated; imaginative models and three dimensional displays, interpreting 800 years of Limerick's and Ireland's history; an audio-visual show on Limerick's complex and turbulent history and spectacular views from towers of the river Shannon, which flows by it. Already, pre-Norman houses, fortifications and siege mines have been excavated on the grounds of King John's Castle. Available day or night for special group functions. Most special requests can be catered for. Floodlit by night, and has recently been renovated. Open daily, year-round.
Dunguaire Castle
Kinvara, Co. GalwayNamed after Guaire, King of Connaught in the 7th Century, this beautifully restored castle, which overlooks Galway Bay, gives an insight into the lifestyles of those who lived there. Situated 17 miles from Galway city, the castle is the setting for medieval banquets in the summer months. Open daily, mid April to mid October.
Cliffs of Moher
(O'Brien's Tower)
Liscannor, Co. ClareOne of Ireland's top attractions, the Cliffs of Moher stand against the might of the Atlantic Ocean. O Brien's Tower is located on the highest cliff and is an exceptional viewing point. The Cliffs can be visited daily, year-round. The viewing tower, shop and restaurant are open March to October.
Craggaunowen The Living Past
Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co. ClareIreland's original prize-winning centre dedicated to interpreting Ireland's Pre-historic and early Christian eras. Exhibits range from Bronze Age homesteads to Celtic Chieftain's residences. The Brendan boat is located there. This is the leather-hulled boat which was sailed across the Atlantic to prove that Irish monks made the journey long before Columbus. Tea, scones, porter cake with morning coffee or afternoon tea, and lunch can be provided by prior arrangement.
Open daily, mid April to mid October.Lough Gur Stone Age Centre
near Ballyneety, Co. LimerickLough Gur is the most important Stone-Age site in Ireland where the pre-Celtic settlers of Ireland farmed and lived. The archaeology of the area provides evidence for the activities of the first farmers in the region, their dwellings, ritual and burial sites, as well as their tools and implements. The story stretches over 5,000 years and continues to the present day. The visitor centre, on the lakeside site, contains a display and an audio-visual show presenting the site's history.
Open daily, May to September.
The most complete maritime centre on Ireland's west coast, Kilrush Creek Marina is located on the picturesque Shannon Estuary. The marina is just an hours drive from Shannon International Airport and is ideally located for cruising the crystal clear waters of the West Coast of Ireland or for exploring the 200 miles of navigable inland waters available on the River Shannon. The marina is located in the old harbour of the attractive market town of Kilrush in County Clare, a town with a long maritime tradition. Kilrush has an extensive variety of shops, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation to suit every visitor.
For further information contact:
Kilrush Creek Marina, Kilrush, Co. Clare
Tel +353 65 905 2072 Fax +353 65 905 1692