Shannon Development Firsts and Milestones in Innovation Return to index of articles

News Release -

Shannon Development Firsts and Milestones in Innovation

1959: Shannon Development (SFADCo) established by Irish Government

1960: World’s first Industrial Free Zone (Shannon Free Zone) established by Shannon Development next to Shannon International Airport.

1961: Shannon Development commences the development of Ireland ’s first new town – Shannon .

1963: First mediaeval Castle banquets staged by Shannon Development at 15^th century Bunratty Castle , this concept was later extended to two other castles, Knappogue and Dunguaire castles.

1964: First international development co-operation assignments undertaken by Shannon Development in less developed countries.

1969: Shannon Development pioneers the Rent-an-Irish Cottage Scheme.

1972: Shannon Development assists in the foundation of the University of Limerick .

1978: Shannon Development undertakes first national pilot programme for the development of small and medium sized enterprises.

1980: Innovation Centre for indigenous high technology firms opened by Shannon Development in Limerick , one of Europe ’s first business innovation centres.

1980/’90 Shannon Development initiatives a range of programmes to foster the development and growth of indigenous enterprises, for example its ‘Matchmaker’ programme was designed to drive sales by opening up markets between multinational and small indigenous Shannon Region companies. Many of these initiatives were later rolled out nationally.

1984: Ireland ’s first technology park - The National Technology Park is established by Shannon Development beside the University of Limerick .

1986: Shannon Development establishes a tourism subsidiary company, Shannon Heritage Ltd, to manage its range of 8 visitor attractions and 4 evening entertainments

1986: Limerick Food Centre opened by Shannon Development.

1991 Kilrush Marina, a 120 berth state of the art marina created by Shannon Development opens in County Clare .

1999: Launch of Shannon Development’s Kerry Technology Park in Tralee .

2001: Opening of Limerick Navigation System and Marina, a major tourism and urban regeneration project undertaken by Limerick City Council, Shannon Development and Waterways Ireland.

2002: Opening of €150 million Doonbeg Golf Resort, which was initiated and supported by Shannon Development.

2003: Launch of Shannon Broadband and opening of Birr Technology Centre.

2004: Completion of Limerick MAN (Broadband Network) project.

2005: Opening of Shannon Development’s Info rmation Age Park in Ennis, Co Clare.

2008: Completion of Broadband connectivity project in 8 Shannon Region towns.

2008: Shannon Development completes work on Ireland ’s first E-Town.

2008: Approval received from An Bord Pleanála for a major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at Shannon Development’s Kerry Deepwater Zone.

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