ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE Lufthansa, Roche and UDC/PPG to prepare a skills matrix and upskilling of the workforces seeking new job opportunities. Throughout 2021 the Council continued to work closely with the ESB in relation to the future of the Moneypoint power plant. Throughout 2021 Clare County Council continued the review of the existing Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023, the statutory spatial and economic development Plan for County Clare, and the Council will make a new Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 early in 2023.
LIAM CONNEALLY Director of Economic Development
Introduction
2021 was another busy year for the Council’s Economic Development Directorate. Increased planning and development activity (up 35%) indicates strong signs of a growing economy in the county. Jobs growth in the county continued to increase as highlighted by FDI/SME jobs created and the Clare LEO’s performance. In addition to the Shannon aviation and light engineering clusters the presence of JLR, MeiraGTx and ELS in Shannon are considerable additions to Clare’s economy while as part of a multi-agency response the Council’s assistance was also provided to
The preparation of both the Killaloe Town Enhancement and Mobility Strategy and the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan neared conclusion, whilst the preparation of a Roche Masterplan commenced earlier in the year. The establishment of a Maritime Training Centre was progressed with the securing and reassigning of €1.75million EI grant for a site in Kilrush Marina, adding to the momentum and national focus in 2021 towards harnessing opportunities emerging for the wider renewable energy industry in Shannon Estuary and the West Coast. 69
