Review of the National Development Plan
Submission by Ennis Chamber
Submitted by: Margaret O’Brien, CEO, Ennis Chamber, June 26, 2025
About Ennis Chamber
The economic driver and county town of Clare, Ennis is strategically located between Limerick and Galway, and just 15 minutes from Shannon Airport. With a population of 28,000, Ennis is the largest town in Munster and the largest town by population in the West of Ireland.
While Ennis Chamber’s core membership is Ennis-based, the Chamber also serves members throughout the county from East to West Clare. Our membership represents a broad sectoral base spanning industry, tourism, energy (renewables), retail and professional services.
Submission Focus
The focus of our submission is on the current imbalance between economic output and the infrastructure systems needed to support the economy now and into the future, as our population grows.
The widespread inadequacies in key infrastructure (delivery and capacity) significantly hinders our competitiveness and opportunity for sustainable growth. As a tangible local example, the deficit in water/ wastewater treatment, with one of two wastewater treatment plants serving Ennis (at Clare Abbey), at full capacity, with no time frame in place to remedy the situation, is having a devastating knock-on effect on the town’s already stricken housing market. This example highlights the pressures on our water infrastructure, the lack of investment in same and a lack of accountability.
Ennis Chamber submission addresses: Utilities & Environment, Housing, Transport & Connectivity, Economic Development, Accountability, Policy & Planning and Strategic Funding
Utilities & Environment
- Our electricity grid requires upgrading and reinforcement particularly in supporting renewable energy and new developments.
- Water and wastewater infrastructure is wholly inadequate and stalling development across regions. Uisce Éireann requires multiannual ringfenced funding to address current and future capacity issues.
- Offshore wind potential remains underutilised throughout the State – DMAP for County Clare coast is urgently required.
- Development of offshore energy, off Co Clare coastline to be linked to existing infrastructure/connectivity at Moneypoint Power Station
Housing
- Housing delivery is far below targets. The critical shortage of key infrastructure to support housing development needs to be addressed.
- County Development Plans need urgent updating and regular reviews going forward.
- Adequate and timely funding of local authorities is critical in the supply of social and affordable housing.
Vacant housing stock must be activated and brought into use without delay.
Transport & Connectivity
- There is strong potential to develop a network of interconnected cities on the island of Ireland (For example, the location of Ennis between Galway and Limerick, (with motorway connectivity) gives Ennis a one-hour drive time catchment area to circa 575k people – highlighting the potential of interconnected cities).
- Strategic investment in Ireland’s airport infrastructure is essential for connectivity, competitiveness, and resilience. Regional airports like Shannon Airport support economic growth, mobility, and tourism. The NDP should enable direct capital funding for eligible State-owned airports, in line with EU guidelines.
- Including Shannon in the Regional Airports Programme (2026–2030) is critical to enhancing infrastructure, sustainability, and connectivity, driving regional development and future-proofing the aviation sector.
- A dedicated rail link to Shannon Airport is essential to improve access for over 10,000 daily commuters, enhance regional connectivity, and support economic growth. Its inclusion in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (Package 1) reflects its alignment with Project Ireland 2040 goals, including decarbonisation, balanced regional development, and reduced reliance on high-emission travel.
- With a target completion date of 2030, subject to funding and assessment, the Shannon Airport Rail Link should be prioritised within the NDP, with dedicated resources to accelerate its planning and delivery. A fast, reliable rail connection between Ennis and Shannon Airport will boost productivity, attract investment, and advance sustainability.
- In the interest of promoting future greener travel, local train stations need to be developed to cater for growing commuter hubs (Crusheen on the Galway-Ennis-Limerick train route is a prime example.)
Economic Development
- Investment should be equitably shared across all regions of the State.
- Access to finance and short-term delivery mechanisms are required to support regional growth.
Accountability
- Accountability is essential to ensure that progress aligns with the commitments set out in the original National Development Plan.
Governance & Oversight
- Aligning all stakeholders is essential to ensure the effective delivery of critical infrastructure.
- Improved coordination, transparency, and urgency are required across departments to accelerate capital project delivery.
- The NDP’s original emphasis on guiding long-term investment in infrastructure and public services to enable sustainable economic growth and regional development must be safeguarded.
- Delays in funding and approvals, as reported by local authorities, continue to undermine project delivery at the local level.
- A unified economic vision for infrastructure delivery is needed, one that also capitalises on regional strengths and competitive advantages.
Policy & Planning
- The National Planning Framework’s goal of balanced regional development should guide the review of the NDP.
- Reviews and approvals of local development plans should be expedited.
Strategic Investment
- Adequate investment should be allocated to infrastructure development if we are to realise the objectives of the NDP and the National Planning Framework.
Ends.
