Originally known as the Shannon Industrial Estate and the Shannon Free Zone (SFZ), our 600 acre business park adjacent to Shannon Airport has now evolved into the Shannon Campus. An industrial area that once benefitted from a range of tax efficiency initiatives is now home to over 200 multi-national and Irish companies employing over 8,500 highly skilled employees across a multitide of industries.
The story of the Shannon Campus is one of true innovation and its development has played an integral part in driving economic growth for the surrounding businesses and communities with a thriving future ahead.
A history of forward thinking
The World’s First Free Trade Zone
And still one of Ireland’s most important investment locations.
On 28th January 1959 Sean Lemass (Irish Prime Minister) established Shannon Free Airport Company (SFADCo) and construction commenced on the initial Blocks B, C, D, E and F in the SFZ. At that time two incentives were in place for businesses locating in the Shannon Free Zone – customs freedom for import/export incentive (i.e. where companies were exempt from paying duty on imports and exported goods), and exemption from corporation taxation for 25 years. Today the standard national tax rules apply. At the time, Shannon’s success depended on transatlantic flights stopping to refuel here. But advances in aeronautic technology meant that those days were numbered as commercial aircraft would soon have the range to bypass the airport.
Shannon Airport’s director at that time, Brendan O’Regan, submitted a proposal to the government to establish a distinct manufacturing zone with special tax incentives. This would create much needed jobs and specific Shannon Airport bound air traffic. The site adjacent to the airport was established in 1959, and expanded some years later to include Smithstown.
In the 1950s, Shannon Airport’s director, Brendan O'Regan, submitted a proposal to the Irish government to establish a distinct manufacturing zone with special tax incentives. He argued that it would create much needed jobs and increase Shannon Airport-bound air traffic.
His innovative request was positively received and in 1959, then Taoiseach Sean Lemass established Shannon Free Airport Company (SFADCo) and construction began in earnest.
Looking ahead
Located beside Shannon Airport, 24 km north west of Limerick city, 18 km south of Ennis, 64 km from Galway and two hours from Dublin, the zone boasts over 2 million sq ft of developed buildings for manufacturing, distribution and offices.
Now, the park includes many wellness and lifestyle amenities including retail, cafe's, a 3km landscaped walking/running track, cycling paths, bus stops and a dedicated bridge linking the business campus to the centre of Shannon Town.
Businesses in the Shannon Campus and our surrounding community can make use of the newly installed EV charging stations and public electric bikes to elevate our offering of alternative transportation options.
Our team at The Shannon Airport Group has been dedicated to driving economic benefits to the region for more than 50 years and we look forward to facilitating local commercial and community development for generations to come.
Don't just take our word for it - hear the benefits of working in Shannon from one of our clients:
“We are delighted to have led our global expansion from our Shannon base. Into the future, we are firmly committed to Shannon because of the talent and skills of the people, the mix of top-class businesses and support structures, and the great lifestyle the region affords.” - International Aerospace Coatings (IAC)
We’d love to hear from you...
If you have any queries around Shannon Airport Campus or any other aspects of our group’s record in innovation, email info@snngroup.ie