The Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce’s final report has envisioned the development of a green digital powerhouse for the country and also outlined a transformation of the region into Ireland’s Atlantic Green Digital Corridor. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Barry O’Sullivan, Chairman of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, at the Ardnacrusha hydro-electric dam, following the report’s publication.

The report also envisions the Shannon Estuary as a lead location for Atlantic offshore wind energy generation. It sets out targets, including the creation of 10,000 new green jobs by 2035 and 50,000 by 2050 as well as having 2GW of green energy capacity in development by 2030, and up to 30GW installed by 2050.  

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell says it has the potential to reshape the economic and environmental landscape in the region. “The report presents a vision for the future that is ambitious but also very achievable. Delivering on the proposals would make this region a leader in renewable energy production in Ireland with huge potential for supplying Europe through technologies like hydrogen.” 

Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly said that the report provides “an exciting blueprint” for how the region can become a driver for the green economy. “The potential for offshore wind energy generation offered by the Shannon Estuary is limitless. There is a moral imperative to harness this renewable energy source as we continue to switch away from the use of fossil fuels. By doing so we open up significant opportunities for investment and job creation. It is a win, win,” he noted.