Restoration work on Clancy Strand in Limerick City is expected to be completed by year-end. The restoration of Clancy Strand is a collaborative project, which is administered by Limerick City Council with funds of €1.6 million secured by Shannon Development towards the €2.1 million overall cost of the project. The €1.6m in grant support was secured under the NDP 2007 – 2013 Tourism Infrastructure Fund which is also part of the Failte Ireland and Shannon Development Tourism Product Development Strategies. A further call for similar proposals in 2008 will be announced shortly and Shannon Development are currently working with Limerick City Council and other Local Authorities to seek support for qualifying projects throughout the Region. The Clancy Strand re-development is Phase 1 of the Riverside Improvement Strategy for Limerick City.
Shannon Development recently hosted an event in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick to give key Shannon Region tourism trade representatives an opportunity to network with Tourism Ireland staff based in all international markets world-wide.
A group of over 36 business people who organise travel incentive programmes for top UK companies and organisations were brought on a tour of the Shannon Region recently by UK Travel Company Travelscope. The familiarisation tour was organised in association with CIE Tours International, Stena Line, Tourism Ireland UK and Shannon Heritage.
Irish Wolfhounds are once again roaming the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co. Clare. Shannon Heritage has acquired two new wolfhound puppies, Fionn and Grainne, and they are already creating a stir with visitors.
Addressing Shannon Development’s National E-Towns Conference in Tarbert, Co. Kerry, (Wednesday 14th November ’07) Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said, “In coming up with the E-Towns concept Shannon Development’s objective has been to provide alternative solutions for enterprise based on the quality of life advantages of small towns and villages throughout the Shannon Region. However we believe that our E-Towns initiative provides a template that can be used for the development of smaller communities in any location in Ireland. Over the last few years, we have been involved in developing the concept and in preparing the foundations for E-Towns projects. This has involved working closely with local authorities and local communities in the areas of town planning, broadband access and training,”
A specially commissioned stone carved bust of the late John Hunt has just been unveiled at a ceremony in Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare. The bust was commissioned by Shannon Heritage and the Bunratty Castle furniture trustees to commemorate John Hunt’s major contribution to the arts.
Siobhan King was appointed Tourism Officer for Co. Clare by Shannon Development in January 2007. In her new role Siobhan has set herself three objectives; to support the tourism trade in Clare to maximise all opportunities, to support Clare tourism enterprises to become more competitive, and to market and promote Clare as a key destination in Ireland and overseas.
“Ireland must invest up front in Next Generation Networks to create a world class telecommunications system,” says Shannon Development Chief. Shannon Development today (Wednesday 7th November ’07) called on Government to support their proposal for Ireland’s first pilot Next Generation Network (NGN’s) in Shannon, Co. Clare, which could revolutionise the communications industry in Ireland.
Tidy Towns’ voluntary workers commended as Shannon Region scoops 26 Awards
Tidy Town’s Committees throughout the Shannon Region were honoured today (Monday 5th November ‘07) for their tireless commitment to enhancing the environment, when they were officially presented with a total of 26 Tidy Towns Awards, by Mr Tony Killeen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, SuperValu Director John O’ Callaghan, the overall competition sponsor, and John King, Director Heritage and Tourism Shannon Development.
As part of its ongoing E-Towns development strategy Shannon Development, the regional economic development company for the Shannon Region, has this week (Monday 29th October ‘07) lodged a planning application for full planning permission for the development of 8 live/work houses on a 1.3 acre site on the Ferry Road in Tarbert, Co. Kerry.
Shannon Development this week announced details of its forthcoming Telecommunications Seminar which takes place on Wednesday 7th November ’07 at the South Court Hotel Limerick. The Seminar will discuss a range of topics including future trends and new developments in the Telecommunications sector.
Shannon Development Knowledge Network team were in Dublin recently (Wednesday 24th October ‘07) to promote the company’s network of five world-class business parks located around the Shannon Region which includes IAPE.
Offaly’s leading entrepreneurs Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary, both finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of Year competition addressed a gathering of over seventy of Offaly business people in Birr Technology Centre on Thursday last, October 18th.
Shannon Heritage is promising Halloween Horror at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, this Bank Holiday Monday (29th October, 2007) from 1.00 pm to 5.00pm. To get into practice before Halloween night children and parents are invited to come to the event in full Halloween costume for a spin chilling, fear wrenching experience.
Offaly’s leading entrepreneurs Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary, both finalists in the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of Year competition will address a gathering of business people in Birr Technology Centre on Thursday, October 18th at 7.30 p.m.
Shannon Development has today (Tuesday 2nd October ’07) announced that they are on target to secure and extra 10,000 US visitors, which translates into over 50,000 bed nights, for the Shannon Region in the vital ‘07/’08 off season/winter period.
A major tourism boost is expected as a result of the recent visit to Co. Clare by a film crew from the Discovery Channel. As a result the visit which was co-ordinated by Shannon Development, the scenic beauty of County Clare will feature in a new Discovery Channel series entitled “Life’s a trip” with presenter Andrew Anthony.
Shannon, 20th September 2007: Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Micheál Martin TD, today announced a €7million R & D investment by UCB Schwarz Pharma, supported by Shannon Development. The announcement took place during a visit by the Minister to a number of companies located in the Shannon Free Zone. The Free Zone is Ireland’s leading multi-sectoral business park with over 7,200 people employed in 110 companies generating over €3.3 billion in annual sales.
“At Bunratty Folk Park we are always looking at ways to present an accurate portrayal of all aspects of 19th century rural life. Harvest Day is an annual event which gives us an opportunity to create a cameo from the past, and to give visitors, especially our younger visitors, a chance to enjoy living history. This is just one in an annual calendar of events we have devised at Bunratty Castle and Folk park to meet the growing from our domestic visitors, among other events are; a Halloween experience, a magical Christmas experience, and a mediaeval festival which we hold in June,” says Mr. John Ruddle, chief executive, Shannon Heritage.
“We are delighted with the announcement by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Séamus Brennan, TD, of grant support for Lough Derg Waterpark projects,” said John King, Heritage and Tourism Director, Shannon Development.
The Mayor of Clare, Cllr Patricia McCarthy, officially opened new offices in the Shannon Free Zone for TRAVELSAVERS Ireland. Speaking at the official opening, Mr Anthony Grillo, Senior Director, TRAVELSAVERS said "This new investment shows our commitment to Shannon and underscores the importance Shannon holds for TRAVELSAVERS global operations."
Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Tourism Authority, warmly welcomed the announcement today (Monday 10th September 07) that the Shannon Region has won a range of awards in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition. Birdhill, Co. Tipperary scooped the National Award for Ireland’s Tidiest Village (for villages with a population of less than 1,000), and in doing so were only two points behind the overall national winners Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Shannon Development has appointed a consortium led by Project Management Group (PM Group) and RKD Architects to draw up a Masterplan for the future development of the Shannon Free Zone in Co. Clare. The Masterplan will provide the basis for the regeneration of Shannon Free Zone and the adjoining areas, and for Shannon’s further enhancement as one of Ireland's premier locations for modern internationally traded manufacturing and international services. This is a large-scale complex master planning project and will include greenfield, brownfield, regeneration and reconstruction master planning.
Shannon Development has negotiated a major tourism coup for the Shannon Region in the US market. Following a series of meetings with top US tour operators and airline by Shannon Development last month, Sceptre Tours have agreed to sell an off-season tourism holiday package to its 9 million email customer base, focusing exclusively on the Shannon Region as the destination and flying into Shannon International Airport. Sceptre Tours are a major tour operator selling Irish holidays throughout the United States.
Visitors to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are in for a treat on Wednesday 4th July next when a group of 60 young Danish gymnasts age between 12 and 20 years perform an exciting rhythmic gymnastics routine, and also demonstrate the art of traditional Danish dancing in full local costume.
Medieval Warriors will invade Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July ‘07 for what promises to be a Medieval Festival of mayhem and fun. Fighting is expected to be hot and heavy but unlike historic battles of yesteryear there will be no blood spilt.
Michael Houlihan, Chairman, Shannon Region Tourism Board, has expressed frustration at the delay in the Government’s response to the Open Skies crisis, and calls on Government to immediately sign off on a marketing support package which was costed out last year at €53 million. This was promised to sustain Shannon International Airport in an Open Skies environment.
A Taskforce comprising Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development have been working with Laois and Offaly County Councils, Laois and Offaly Leader, National Parks and Wildlife Services, and Coillte, to create a coordinated approach to development, marketing and investment in the Slieve Bloom Mountain area.
Shannon Heritage is launching a new weekend of events at King John’s Castle in Limerick City this summer. Shannon Heritage, the Shannon Development tourism subsidiary, will host a musical, theatrical and cultural weekend programme at King John’s Castle from the 20th -22nd of July ‘07.
Clarke Quarries Ltd part of the Clarke Group based in Co. Cavan has been awarded the contract by Shannon Broadband Ltd to undertake the laying of fibre optic cable in eight towns which are: Abbeyfeale (approx. 4.1km of cable to be laid) and Newcastle West (approx. 6.2km of cable to be laid) in Co. Limerick; Kilrush (approx. 5.2km cable to be laid) in County Clare, Nenagh (approx.10.8km of cable to be laid), Roscrea (approx. 8.1km of cable to be laid) and Templemore (approx.5.7km of cable to be laid) in Co. Tipperary; Banagher (approx.4.2km of cable to be laid) and Birr (approx. 7.7km of cable to be laid) in Co. Offaly. The network being installed around the towns is called a ‘Metropolitan Area Network’, or ‘MAN’ for short.
Madame Françoise Le Bail, Deputy Director General of DG Enterprise and Industry in the European Commission, together with Mr Alain Liberos, Head of Department DG Enterprise and Industry, visited the InnovationWorks building at Information Age Park Ennis on Thursday, 24 May 2007. Madame Le Bail is the EU Commission’s envoy for Small and Medium Enterprise while Mr Liberos has special responsibility for Innovation policy in the DG Enterprise and Industry.
Opening the 5th Plenary Conference of the European Innovating Regions Network in Ennis, Co Clare, today (Thursday, 24 May 2007), Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said “European regions have a critical role to play in innovation policy, bringing people together, creating networks, sharing experience, and tackling problems collectively. Regions must cooperate with others, form teams, work together, and address issues in a global and trans-national context”.
Shannon Development today (Tuesday 15th May ’07) announced a €2 million support package for a new ‘Shannon Region Trails Programme’ which the Company is launching. The aim of the Programme is to establish the Shannon Region as a world-class destination for walking cycling, water-based and other outdoor activity pursuits during the period 2007 – 2010.
Mr Michael Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, has today (4th May 2008) appointed Cllr John Brassil as Chairman of Shannon Development. Cllr Brassil, from Ballyheigue, County Kerry, is a qualified civil engineer and pharmacist. He has been an elected member of Kerry County Council since 1999, and a member of the Shannon Development Board since 2004.
The Shannon Region is Ireland’s best performing tourism Region recording over 20% growth in international visitor numbers in 2006 compared to 2005 figures. The Shannon Region recorded over 2 million Irish and international visitors last year. This result is above the national average growth rate for international visitors which achieved growth of 10% in 2006 compared with 2005. This included strong growth from the UK, and from Europe, and good numbers from North America.
Shannon Development, the Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, has launched a major tourism marketing campaign to promote the Irish Open at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in Co. Limerick (from 17th -20th May ’07). The Company is an Official Sponsor and has committed its support this major golf tournament for a three year period.
Images of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare were beamed live to over 6 million US TV viewers today (Tuesday 1st May ’07) when the iconic Cliffs were featured on the NBC ‘Today Show’, the most popular TV breakfast show in America.
Shannon Development today (Monday 30th April ’07) announced the appointment of two separate contactors to carry out infrastructural and landscaping work on Phase One of the Roscrea Business and Technology Park at the Company’s 26 acre site at Benamore, on the Dublin side of Roscrea, Co Tipperary.
The Mayor of Limerick Cllr. Joe Leddin, Gerry Glynn from Shannon Development and Kieran Reeves from Limerick City Council, gave a Limerick welcome to ten winners of an EU Water in Historic City Centres Competition at the weekend (20th to 22nd April ‘07).
Shannon Development has announced the appointment of John Thompson & Partners, Architects, from Limerick, to prepare a master plan for the Company’s 60 acres land bank in Archerstown, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Shannon Development, the Regional Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region counties of Limerick, Clare, North Tippeary and South Offaly, will unveil its new tourism marketing plans at a major Tourism Seminar it is hosting for members of the Shannon Region tourism industry.
The Shannon Region Tourism Board is calling on the Government to put in place a €53 million support package to sustain Shannon International Airport in an Open Skies environment.
Shannon Development in association with Ryanair hosted a travel media group from Poland as part of Shannon Development's promotion of the new Lodz air service to Shannon International Airport. Between them the publications and the TV station have a reach of over 2 million potential holidaymakers.
Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Tony Killeen TD, today (Tuesday 17th April, 2007) announced the establishment of two new companies at Shannon Free Zone in Co. Clare which between them will create 97 new jobs over the next five years. Supported by Shannon Development, the new companies are; White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd (52 new jobs) and PC Tools Software (45 new jobs).
Shannon Development today (4 March 2007) welcomed the Government approval of the Fitzgerald Report on the regeneration of socially excluded areas of Limerick City. Mr Fitzgerald, former Dublin City Manager, was appointed by Government last October to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder issues in Moyross and other parts of Limerick City. As part of his work in Limerick over the last few months, Shannon Development met with Mr Fitzgerald and briefed him on Shannon Development’s work in the city and wider region.
Shannon Heritage is opening its Craggaunowen visitor attraction with an ‘egg-citing’ Easter event. Craggaunowen near Quin in Co. Clare tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland. To mark the start of the tourist season Shannon Heritage has arranged for the Easter Bunny to make a special guest appearance there on Easter Sunday, 8th April ‘07.
Rural communities in the Shannon Region are being offered a chance to win a new EU Competition valued at €50,000. Shannon Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland is promoting a new EU competition (European Destinations of Excellence) to identify the Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination in each of the Member States.
Shannon Development is pleased to announce that the 5th ‘Innovating Regions in Europe’ (IRE) Plenary Conference will be held in Ennis, Co Clare, on 24-25th May 2007. The Conference will bring together regional policy makers and innovation practitioners from over 200 IRE Member Regions throughout Europe.
Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said “We are delighted to have secured this prestigious European Conference for the region against international competition. Shannon Development has been an active member of the IRE Network for many years, and we are pleased that our work in regional innovation has been recognised by the IRE Network agreeing to hold its bi-annual Conference in this region”
“Recent tourism trends show that the highest tourism growth to the Shannon Region has been from mainland Europe. This changing visitor profile and a dominance of younger/middle age visitors (almost two-thirds of visitors are under 45 years), has led to knock-on changes in demand for products and services. The needs of these new visitors must be met,” he said.
Knappogue Mediaeval Banquets, which are held nightly in 15th century Knappogue Castle near Quin in County Clare, has just won a national Special Merit Award of Excellence for their dinner entertainment.
Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, commenting on the recently announced draft proposals by EU and US aviation authorities for the introduction of an Open Skies agreement for transatlantic air services, said, “It underlines the necessity to accelerate the implementation of the recommendations in the Tourism and Economic Development Plan which was submitted to Government last year by the Mid-West Regional Authority and regional stakeholders including Shannon Development, the Shannon Airport Authority, IBEC, SIGNAL, Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities”.
Shannon Development has announced today (Wednesday 28th February 2007) that it has reached agreement in principle with a private sector consortium led by L & M Keating Ltd, for a €50 million development at Kilrush Marina, in the maritime town of Kilrush in Co. Clare.
BRE, the University of Limerick (UL) and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) today (21 February 2007) launched BRE Ireland as the new independent, authoritative Irish body that will set the standard for sustainability, innovation and enterprise for Irish construction.
A successful visit by top tourism representatives from the Brescia Region of Italy will result in additional tourism business for Limerick. This is the message from Shannon Development and Limerick Co-Ordination Office who have just completed a successful series of meetings with the Brescia Tourism representatives. The visit of the Italian group to Limerick was organised last weekend (16th -18th Feb ‘07) by Shannon Development Company in conjunction with the Limerick Co-Ordination Office.
Shannon Development has just launched a new €100,000 Tourism Innovation Awards Scheme for the Shannon Region. Under the programme successful projects will be eligible for Awards up to a maximum of €25,000, or 50% of eligible expenditure.
“As the Regional Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, Shannon Development is committed to delivering new opportunities and strong growth for Limerick and the Shannon Region in 2007 and beyond. Limerick tourism is gaining growth from all segments of the tourism market - domestic and international markets, particularly short stays, city breaks, gateway holidays. In addition business tourism, and the hosting of key sporting and other events are all generating good returns for Limerick tourism”, says John King Heritage and Tourism Director, Shannon Development.
As the Region Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, Shannon Development welcomes the opening this week by Clare County Council of the new Cliffs of Moher visitor Centre.
A group of prestigious French and Spanish travel media visited the Shannon Region this week as part of a major tourism promotional drive organised by Shannon Development in partnership with Ryanair, Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland.
A new partnership grouping has been formed to look at the urgent action required to meet the future environmental and development needs of the Lough Gur area.
Shannon Development has announced the appointment of Alice Morgan as their new Regional Development Manager for North Tipperary and South West Offaly. Alice will replace Tomas O’ Domhnaill who has retired from this post after a long and successful career with the Company.
Warmly welcoming the announcement today (1 February 2007) of the new Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme, Mr Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said “Two years ago, Shannon Development made a detailed submission to the Department of Finance calling for the setting up of a special tax incentive scheme to encourage sustainable tourism development along the River Shannon Corridor. Shannon Development is delighted that many of the proposals contained in its March 2005 submission have been incorporated into the Scheme announced today by Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen TD”.
“Short break offers, niche marketing, and value for money will be key in attracting additional domestic visitors to the Shannon Region during 2007. This is why Shannon Development has come up with a new domestic tourism marketing strategy designed to generate increased domestic visitor numbers and revenue,” says Pat Daly, Tourism Marketing Manager, Shannon Development.
Shannon Development has appointed Pat Daly as their new Tourism Marketing Manager. Mr. Daly has been an employee of Shannon Development for the past 18 years.
Shannon Development has announced the appointment of two new Regional Development Managers for Limerick City and County. Finbarr Brougham as been appointed Regional Development Manager for Limerick County, and Eoghan Prendergast has been appointed Regional Development Manager for Limerick City.
Speaking at the announcement of the Company’s results for 2006 in Limerick today (9th January 2007), Mr Kevin Thompstone , Chief Executive, Shannon Development, said “Last year we set ourselves three critical goals to drive strong economic development in the Shannon Region, as part of a wider Atlantic Economic Corridor, these were; to assist the more developed parts of the region to reach their full development potential; to help the less developed areas of the region to thrive; and to stimulate market demand for the Shannon Airport Gateway”.
Eoin Kelly one of Tipperary hurling’s most prolific scorers was on hand this week to help launch a new dedicated tourism web site for Co. Tipperary. The site has been developed by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development in association with tourism interests and local authorities from around the county, and the web address for new site is www.ireland.ie/tipperary