For the first time, Chambers of Commerce from across the Western Region came together under the umbrella of the Western Development Commission at a roundtable meeting in Claremorris. The session reflects the direction set out in the WDC’s new strategy, with a strong focus on strengthening partnerships and influence and acting as a connector across the region.
Chambers play a vital role as the voice of business in their local areas, and this meeting created an opportunity to step back from local priorities and look at the bigger regional picture. By bringing the Chambers together in one room, the WDC is helping to build stronger alignment across the West and North West and creating a shared understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
The discussion focused on the need to strengthen the ecosystem for indigenous companies across the region, particularly outside the main urban centres. Participants explored how stronger collaboration between Chambers and regional partners can help support new enterprise and long term business growth.
There was significant discussion on the scale of opportunity presented by offshore wind and renewable energy, and the importance of ensuring that the region is ready to benefit from this transformation. Remote and hybrid work was also highlighted as a major opportunity for the Western Region, with detailed discussion on the growth of the Connected Hubs network and the role it is playing in supporting more balanced regional development.
The group also explored the growing importance of artificial intelligence and the opportunity for the region to position itself as a leader in applied and industry focused AI. Circular economy opportunities were discussed in depth, including how the WDC can help connect Chambers with European partners and initiatives.
This roundtable is an early example of the WDC’s strategy in action, bringing together key regional organisations to share perspectives, identify common priorities and work more closely together.
A follow up meeting is planned for the summer to continue the work and develop practical areas for collaboration.
Chambers represented included Sligo, Shannon, Galway and Letterkenny, with Aidan Doyle, Helen Downes, Karen Ronan and Toni Forrester participating on behalf of their organisations.
Representing the Western Development Commission were CEO Allan Mulrooney, Frances Hague from the Policy Analysis team, John Muldoon from the Western Investment Fund and Liam Horan from the Connected Hubs team.
