IDA chief to address local business leaders as part of joint Chamber event

Athlone and Mullingar Chambers of Commerces have teamed up for a major online event next week, where CEO of the IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan will address local business leaders on the future of foreign direct investment.

The IDA chief will participate in a panel discussion with local susiness representatives on Thursday, May 19 next at 9.30am via a Zoom webinar. This is a free event to attend, however prior registration is necessary, and the associated links are available across social media platforms of Athlone and Mullingar Chambers of Commerce.

Jointly hosted by Athlone and Mullingar Chambers of Commerce, the discussion will provide business leaders with an opportunity to engage with one of the leading national and international promoters of the Irish economy and foreign direct investment, Martin Shanahan.

It also allows us to discuss the opportunities this promotion brings to our towns, districts and the county in the constantly evolving high value-add foreign direct investment space on the back of considerable progress by the IDA in delivering for the Irish economy against a competitive international marketplace.

The moderator for the event is Lorcan Allen, Business Editor of the Business Post, a native of nearby Moate. Joining the panel from Westmeath County Council will be Barry Kehoe, Director of Services, with particular responsibility for Planning.

John Geoghegan and Alan Shaw, both Presidents of their respective Chambers of Commerce will be using the opportunity to highlight the advantages for FDI being based in County Westmeath.

Others on the broad industry panel include Aisling Nolan of Mergon and Marie Browne of Ardonagh Group.

Speaking at the launch of this webinar, both Presidents Alan Shaw and John Geoghegan, stated; “We are delighted to welcome the IDA CEO Martin Shanahan to address business leaders in Westmeath and to provide an opportunity for an exchange of views and opportunities for the future.

"Athlone and Mullingar Chambers of Commerce are delighted to work together as part of this joint forum, and we have no doubt that the business community will be listening carefully to what the CEO of IDA Ireland will have to say about the future development of FDI in Westmeath.

"We are both grateful to Ken Whitelaw, Regional Manager IDA for assisting to coordinate the event and to Minister Peter Burke TD for his assistance in setting up the event.

"This will be Lorcan Allen’s second event to act as moderator and we wish to thank Lorcan and the Business Post for their support. Finally, we thank the support team at IDA Ireland for working with us on this webinar and all the panellists from industry and Local Government that will be joining us,“ the Presidents ended.