Government urged to match Kerry’s contribution to ‘Powering Ireland’ with Investment that delivers jobs, enterprise growth and stronger communities. Hosted by Tralee Chamber Alliance, Powering Kerry: Turning Energy Leadership into Economic Opportunity brought together leaders from business, industry, education, state agencies, local government and the wider enterprise community for a high-level discussion on Kerry’s role in Ireland’s energy future.
The forum which took place at The Rose Hotel featured keynote addresses from Noel Cunniffe, Chief Executive of Wind Energy Ireland, Fearghal Reidy, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, and Dr Matt Kennedy of IDA Ireland, together with panel discussions involving representatives from SSE, ESB, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Munster Technological University MTU, National DMAP, Enercon, Empower Renewables, Limerick Chamber, Energywise and Astellas Ireland.
David Pierse, Chair of the Tralee Chamber Alliance Enterprise Group, said: “Kerry has long been at the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy journey. Today’s conference was about ensuring that leadership also translates into lasting economic opportunity for our county. By bringing together Government, industry, education and enterprise, we’ve started an important conversation about how Kerry can attract investment, create high-quality jobs and build stronger, more resilient communities. This must be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that ensures Kerry not only powers Ireland’s future but also shares fully in the economic benefits that come with it.”
Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Colette O’Connor, said: “Kerry has done its part in helping to power Ireland. It is now time for Ireland’s energy transition to power Kerry’s economy. That means ensuring the counties driving the country’s renewable energy ambitions also benefit from the jobs, investment and enterprise opportunities they create.
Communities must see tangible benefits from the transition happening around them. With the right Government support, investment and long-term planning, Kerry has the opportunity to become a national leader in sustainable economic development while continuing to play a central role in delivering Ireland’s clean energy future.”
The conference, organised by the Tralee Chamber Alliance Enterprise Group, was delivered in partnership with SSE, with panel sponsorship provided by Energywise, Enercon, Empower Renewables and Pierse Fitzgibbon. The discussions and recommendations arising from the forum will now inform Tralee Chamber Alliance’s forthcoming Pre-Budget Submission and its ongoing engagement with Government and key stakeholders as it continues to advocate for policies that strengthen Kerry’s competitiveness, support enterprise and ensure the county shares in the economic opportunities created by Ireland’s energy transition