Mid-West needs 'more investment', says Limerick Chamber president

At the Limerick Chamber’s annual President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards the president of the Technological University of the Shannon, Professor Vincent Cunnane, was awarded the 2025 Limerick Chamber President’s Award

Limerick Chamber president Mairéad Connolly said: 'There are headwinds for businesses — rising costs, tariffs, and challenges on infrastructure and housing.'

The mid-West region requires urgent Government investment as businesses face headwinds between rising costs, tariffs and challenges on infrastructure and housing, Limerick Chamber president Mairéad Connolly has said.

Speaking at the Chamber’s annual President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards, Ms Connolly said the economy in the region is performing well, but “there is no room for complacency” as it has “much to offer but needs more investment”.

“There are headwinds for businesses — rising costs, tariffs, and challenges on infrastructure and housing. Healthcare continues to dominate for the wrong reasons. The success of our region is a collective effort.

“It starts with each of us in the room, working together with our elected representatives locally, nationally and at a European level. There should be no cap on our ambition for the region.” 

At the event, the president of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Professor Vincent Cunnane was awarded the 2025 Limerick Chamber President’s Award.

Ms Connolly said Professor Cunnane played a “transformative role in shaping the Mid-West’s future.

“His vision for education, innovation and collaboration has had a profound and lasting impact on our region. He is an exceptionally worthy recipient of this honour.” 

Previous winners of the award include JP McManus, John Kiely, Milford Care Centre and Dr Ed Walsh, past president of University of Limerick.

Among the winners at the awards ceremony include Treaty Software who took home Best Emerging Business, while Cook Medical won Best Employer, and University Concert Hall won the Best Customer Experience Excellence Award.

BD Research Centre Ireland (RCI) won the Best Overall Business of the Year Award.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

Chief executive of Limerick Chamber Michelle Gallagher said: “Recognising and supporting the businesses that power our region is at the heart of what we do at Limerick Chamber, and tonight’s awards are a perfect example of that.

“Each of our finalists and winners represents the best of what this region stands for — innovation, collaboration and community. The success we see here tonight is proof that the Mid-West continues to punch above its weight — this region has the people, ideas and partnerships that enable businesses to thrive.”