LIMERICK’S potential and the chance to build partnerships, collaborations and strong relationships with the UK is of great interest to firms looking to invest here.
That’s according to British Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett who made an official visit to the Mid-West on Tuesday when he held talks with local authority officials, educators and business interests in the region.
He said that he came “with a large team because I feel Limerick is a town with great potential in a Mid West region of huge potential.
Speaking on the strategic plans to regenerate Limerick, Ambassador Barnett said that “what really impressed me about Limerick 2030 is that this plan already has concrete projects and even better money to finance these concrete projects.”
To that end, the British diplomat said that Limerick realising its potential would be of great interest UK companies looking to invest in the region.
In the 12 months since his last visit to Limerick, Ambassador Barnett said that he was “impressed with the progress already made here” when he was updated by Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Conn Murray.
Troy Studios shooting the sci-fi series Nightflyers was an example of “innovation and creativity” that Limerick is now associated with, according to the British Ambassador.
“The Mid West and Limerick has a very attractive inward investment proposition Mr Barnett said, adding that the skill base and the testimony of existing investors augurs well for those seeking to expand out of the UK.
“The opportunities going forward, through building partnerships, is exciting as this is how most good business gets done and Limerick is a place of great potential and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see more inward investment from the UK in to this region in the future.
Amongst the topics discussed, Ambassador Barnett said that the UK greatly welcomed the “solidarity that’s been shown by our nearest neighbour”, in expelling a Russian diplomat from Ireland following the use of a nerve agent in the Salisbury attack.
However, he refused to be drawn on “undertones” of a potential cold war or any implications the move would have on Russian owned businesses here such as Rusal’s Aughinish Alumina plant in Askeaton.
