Three of the largest business organisations in the west of Ireland have called on the Government to fast-track transport investment in the region to support economic growth, improve connectivity and promote balanced regional development.
Galway Chamber, Shannon Chamber and Limerick Chamber said urgent investment in roads, public transport, rail and aviation is needed to create a better-connected western region. They said the projects are essential to supporting housing delivery, labour mobility, business investment and international competitiveness.
The joint call forms part of 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 also calling for increased investment in regional airports, highlighting the importance of international connectivity to economic growth, indigenous enterprise, foreign direct investment and tourism. They said investment in airports must be matched by improvements to the wider transport network to provide efficient access for businesses, workers and visitors.
The Chambers are also calling for the accelerated delivery of strategic road projects, including the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road. They are seeking increased investment in public transport, including faster delivery of BusConnects in Galway and Limerick, as well as more integrated services linking cities, towns and communities across the region.
The Chambers said continued investment in rail was also essential to a balanced transport strategy. They are calling for progress on a feasibility study for the proposed Shannon Rail Link, along with continued investment in the Western Rail Corridor to improve connectivity and support future sustainable transport needs.
The business groups said the economic success of the western region depends on better connectivity between Galway, Shannon and Limerick.
They said an integrated transport network combining roads, public transport, aviation and rail would help unlock the region’s economic potential and strengthen its competitiveness nationally and internationally.
Galway Chamber Chief Executive Karen Ronan said successive governments had committed to balanced regional development, but investment had not kept pace.
“The west has the enterprise base, the talent and the ambition to drive national economic growth, but it needs the infrastructure to match. A connected region is essential if we are to deliver housing, improve labour mobility, attract investment and enhance quality of life. “Budget 2027 must prioritise delivery of the strategic transport projects that have been talked about for too long.”
Limerick Chamber Chief Economist and Director of Policy Seán Golden said
investment in transport connectivity must be viewed as a national competitiveness priority.
“The continued growth of the western region depends on our ability to move people efficiently between where they live, work, study and do business. Strategic investment in roads, public transport and rail infrastructure, combined with strong international connectivity through Shannon Airport, will strengthen links across the region, support enterprise growth and enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for investment.”
Shannon Chamber Chief Executive Helen Downes said, “Shannon Airport, our cities and our growing towns are key economic assets. Ensuring they are connected through a modern and efficient transport network is fundamental to unlocking future growth opportunities. Investment in projects such as the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road and enhanced public transport services will deliver significant benefits for businesses, employees and communities across the region.”
Beyond transport infrastructure, the three Chambers’ Pre-Budget 2027 submissions contain a wide range of proposals aimed at strengthening regional competitiveness and supporting economic growth.
Galway Chamber is seeking increased investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, greater funding certainty for major capital projects and increased investment in skills, innovation and artificial intelligence and local authority funding reform.
Limerick Chamber is calling for measures to boost enterprise competitiveness, speed up housing delivery, regenerate Limerick city centre and develop the Shannon Estuary as a strategic hub for energy and industry.
Shannon Chamber is seeking increased investment the OneShannonHub regeneration project, alongside accelerated investment in offshore renewable energy infrastructure, housing delivery, workforce skills and artificial intelligence.
