Tánaiste urged to help address infrastructure constraints in Mid-West

Limerick Chamber president wants two major infrastructure opportunities prioritised: Passenger rail connectivity  and development of the Shannon Estuary as a major energy hub

Maria Gleeson, president, Limerick Chamber (left) with Pat Keating, CEO, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Fionnuala Croker, head of office (acting), European Parliament Liaison Office and Donnacha Hurley, CEO, Limerick Chamber, at Energy on the Estuary 2026, an event that took place earlier this year. Picture: Robbie Reynolds

The Tánaiste has said Ireland needs to accelerate the development of domestically produced renewable energy, as he was warned that infrastructure constraints and rising business costs risk undermining future investment in the Mid-West.

Simon Harris attended the Limerick Chamber President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards at Limerick’s Strand Hotel, where he asked those gathered to help unlock the potential of the Shannon Estuary.

President of the Chamber, Maria Gleeson, urged Simon Harris to prioritise two major infrastructure opportunities: Passenger rail connectivity across the Limerick-Shannon region and the development of the Shannon Estuary as a major energy hub.

Ms Gleeson said that while the Mid-West has demonstrated considerable ambition, investment in infrastructure and a more coordinated approach to policy delivery are essential to sustaining growth.

She called for Government funding to progress the All-Island Strategic Rail Review projects for the Limerick-Shannon Area, building on the reinstatement of the Limerick-Foynes freight railway and planned temporary passenger services for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

She also urged the Tánaiste to introduce a Government-led delivery programme for the Shannon Estuary, aligning offshore renewable energy development with industrial policy, port infrastructure, and grid investment.

"The Shannon Estuary offers Ireland a remarkable opportunity to strengthen energy security, accelerate renewable generation, attract investment, and support a new generation of industrial development.

“Ardnacrusha and Moneypoint stand as powerful reminders of what Ireland can achieve through ambition, innovation, and sustained commitment. 

"Today, investment in the Shannon Estuary’s renewable energy potential offers us the opportunity to show that same courage, delivering energy security, economic growth, and lasting prosperity for the Mid-West and the country," she said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Harris said: “This country remains utterly exposed to decisions taken by other people thousands of kilometres from here in terms of the heat you get, your gas bill, your business electricity bill, and we need to change that. 

"There is no easy way to change it, but there is a clear and big way to change it, and it is called renewable energy.”