FOYNES could be in for a massive 3,000 jobs boost if the port exploits its full potential post-Brexit.
And it’s deep-water capabilities will make it an attractive prospect for super trawlers as a transport link between Ireland and the rest of the EU.
Shannon Foynes Port has massive economic potential and is of vital importance to Limerick, Cork, Clare but also to Ireland and to Europe.
That’s the view of Seán Kelly MEP and Leader of Fine Gael in the EU Parliament, who hosted a meeting between EU policymakers on Shannon Foynes Port in Brussels last week.
The Ireland South MEP underlined the importance of the Irish government’s commitment for the necessary development works and confirmed he will raise the project with An Taoiseach.
Mr Kelly hosted the meeting in order to update key lawmakers in Europe on progress on the aim to harness the port’s massive potential as a 24-hour deep water facility, a designated core port in the Trans European Transport Network shipping network.
“It has the potential to deliver massive economic benefits if super trawlers started coming into Shannon Foynes because of its size, it could generate up to 3,000 jobs. Add to that the tourism benefits – the potential is huge.
The port also has another role to play, in that we have to meet our climate change objectives and one of the ways we can do that is transport and reducing road haulage – a lot could be directed through Shannon Foynes Port.
He described the meeting as “very encouraging”.
“The presentation by company chief executive Pat Keating and former TD Michael Finucane who is on the board was very well received here by MEPs, EU Commission officials and others in Brussels. But it is essential that we have a commitment from the Irish government for their part and I will be raising the issue with the Taoiseach for that reason,” MEP Kelly said.
The attendance included MEPs, European Commission officials, and representatives from the European Investment Bank, the Federation of European Port Operators and Private Terminals, Irish Maritime Development Office and Irish Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport officials.
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