Mid-West Councils work together to realise full potential of green energy economy

The region is approaching a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to transform itself and the economic opportunities provided to its residents.

A coordinated regional approach is underway to maximise the regional benefits that can be gained from the significant renewable energy potential off the Atlantic coast. The potential is there to drive significant economic activity, creating a large number of high-quality, sustainable jobs to the benefit of all those living the region, but strong collaboration across all sectors and communities will be required to ensure success.

The Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a Green Digital Jobs Strategy for the Mid-West Region is a commitment by the three local authorities under the framework of the Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan. The agreement will see a strategy developed to achieve the vision of a proactive region which is the location of choice for innovative businesses who are committed to a green future.

Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council, said: “Clare County Council is delighted to be involved in this partnership and looks forward to advancing the Green Digital Jobs Strategy for the Mid-West Region.”

“ESB’s Moneypoint site in County Clare will be transformed into a green energy hub. This will help the Mid-West Region and the Shannon Estuary to become a leader in green energy production and transmission.

“We are working closely with Shannon Foynes Port Company and other stakeholders in the region to advance and align our strategies.

“We acknowledge the need for the country and the region to transition to a low-carbon energy future. This collaboration will significantly advance the achievement of this objective and will bring significant economic benefits to Clare, the Mid-West and beyond.

“Rather than treating climate targets as challenges, this collaboration will focus on job creation in a low-carbon economy.”

Vincent Murray, Director of Economic Development with Limerick City and County Council, said: “Limerick City and County Council is delighted to be working with our partners on this exciting approach to the green economy.

“The Shannon Estuary is an ideal location for this type of industry and we will work with the various stakeholders to capitalise on this and realise our potential to its fullest.

“We must take advantage of our geographical location and the expertise that we already have here in this sector to create further opportunities for all.

“This is an emerging sector and we want to be ahead of the curve supporting entrepreneurs to use our natural hinterland in a green and sustainable way.

“We will work with our partners and stakeholders to help showcase the Mid-West and support the creation of a cluster with sustainable, high-quality and long-term jobs and foster the innovative spirit that will allow the region to become a leader in the green digital space.”

Pat Slattery, Director of Community and Economic Development with Tipperary County Council, said: “The MoU between the three local authorities to collaborate on a Green Digital Jobs Strategy is a statement of intent to make the Mid-West a leader in green energy and low carbon economy, and to provide attractive locations in the Mid-west for both energy development and digital industries looking for zero-carbon locations.

“Tipperary is fully supported of this collaboration, as locations such as the 1,100-acre bio-economy campus at Lisheen in County Tipperary already has a significant wind farm presence, with 110KV grid connection and ample supplies of water, and therefore will benefit from the Mid-West being at the frontier in Green digital energy and the carbon neutral ambition.”

Eamonn Murphy, Chair of the Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan, said: “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding once again demonstrates the unique culture of collaboration that exists within the Mid-West region. The nature of industry is evolving, with the emergence of sustainability and digitalisation as key enterprise objectives. The three counties of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary recognise this and appreciate that the best way to achieve a balanced and resilient regional economy is by working together to support emerging opportunities and address common challenges.

“Our goal is to support the Mid-West region in becoming a leading international location for digital industry, built on a foundation of our own renewable energy and leveraging the broad and talented technology ecosystem that already exists. This can have hugely positive implications for all those living in the region. We look forward to the continued support of the local authorities and other stakeholders in the region in the pursuit of this vision.”

Caption:

Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a Green Digital Jobs Strategy for the Mid-West Region (from left): Pat Slattery, Director, Economic Development, Tipperary County Council; Liam Conneally, Director, Economic Development, Clare County Council; Vincent Murray, Director, Economic Development, Limerick City and County Council; and Eamonn Murphy, Chair, Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan.

Page last reviewed: 17/05/21

Content managed by: Economic Development

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