Three of the country’s biggest business organisations are calling on the Government to fast-track major transport projects in the west, warning that investment in roads, rail, public transport and aviation is essential to the region’s future economic growth.
Galway Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Limerick Chamber say the west needs a fully integrated transport network to improve connectivity.
The joint call is contained in separate pre-Budget 2027 submissions from the three Chambers, which have been submitted to the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure.
The business groups are seeking faster delivery of strategic road projects, including the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road, as well as greater investment in public transport.
They are calling for the accelerated rollout of BusConnects in both Galway and Limerick, alongside more integrated services connecting cities, towns and communities across the region.
The chambers are also seeking continued investment in rail infrastructure, including progress on a feasibility study for the proposed Shannon Rail Link and further development of the Western Rail Corridor.
They say regional airports must also receive greater investment, highlighting the importance of international connectivity to indigenous businesses, foreign direct investment and tourism.
However, they say investment in aviation must be matched by improvements to the wider transport network to ensure businesses, workers and visitors can access airports efficiently.
Galway Chamber Chief Executive Karen Ronan said the region has the enterprise base and talent needed to drive national economic growth but lacks the infrastructure to match it.
“A connected region is essential if we are to deliver housing, improve labour mobility, attract investment and enhance quality of life,” she said.
She said Budget 2027 must prioritise strategic transport projects that have been discussed for too long.
Limerick Chamber Chief Economist and Director of Policy Seán Golden said transport connectivity should be regarded as a national competitiveness priority.
He said the western region’s continued growth depended on the ability to move people efficiently between where they live, work, study and do business.
He said investment in roads, public transport and rail, combined with international connectivity through Shannon Airport, would strengthen links across the region and enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for investment.
Shannon Chamber Chief Executive Helen Downes said Shannon Airport, the region’s cities and its growing towns were key economic assets.
She said connecting them through a modern transport network was fundamental to unlocking future growth, highlighting the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road and enhanced public transport services as projects that could deliver significant benefits for businesses, employees and communities.
