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Sample Case StudiesBackground on Shannon Development. 2National Technology Park - Master Plan Review. 3MasterPlan for the Future of Shannon Free Zone(Incorporating a ‘GreenPrint’ for sustainability) . 8The Knowledge EconomyCreation of a Knowledge Network in Ireland’s Shannon Region.14Shannon Broadband.19Pioneering Innovative Actions in Less Developed CommunitiesThe Shannon Development eTown Project .23New Tourism Product DevelopmentDoonbeg Golf Development, Ireland’s Shannon Region .28Masterplan for Shannon Free Zone – IrelandPage 1
Background on Shannon DevelopmentSet up by the Irish Government in 1959 to promote Shannon International Airport in the post-jet era, ShannonDevelopment is today, Ireland’s only dedicated regional development company. The Company’s dynamic briefis to generate industry, tourism and rural development in the wider Shannon area, known as the ShannonRegion. This covers an area accounting for approximately 10% of the land mass of Ireland and 10% of itspopulation, and includes counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary, South Offaly and North Kerry in the Westand South West of Ireland. Today the Shannon Region is driven predominantly by the Services sector andhas strong manufacturing and construction sectorsFor the past fifty years Shannon Development has worked, singularly and with many different ‘partners’ fromthe statutory, community and private sectors, to develop the region to its full potential. Its many variedresponsibilities include: Developing and strengthening the indigenous industry sector in the Shannon Region, which includesbuilding up a venture capital culture and creating awareness of the benefits accruing from the InformationSociety. Developing the Shannon Free Zone as a location for international investment in manufacturing andinternational traded services. Managing and developing the Knowledge Network, a series of modern business parks linked to third levelinstitutes and incorporating incubation, indigenous enterprise and FDI. Tourism development in the Shannon Region. Delivering EU funding (European Regional Development Fund) to support new tourism productdevelopment. Managing commercial tourism businesses, e.g. castle banquets and day-visitor attractions, through asubsidiary company - Shannon Castle Banquets & Heritage. Promoting the deep water advantages of the Shannon Estuary as an international location for maritimeindustry. Stimulating development at rural and local levels.With a keen eye to the future, Shannon Development works with the Government, the people of the Region,and the private sector in delivering new projects and initiatives that will address the economic developmentneeds of all parts of the Region and create demand for the Shannon Airport Gateway.We believe our work will help build a viable counterpole in the broader Atlantic region to the more developedeastern region, in accordance with Ireland’s National Spatial Strategy.Since its foundation, Shannon Development has been recognised as a practitioner and a pioneer in regionaleconomic development. Many of the initiatives and approaches, which the organisation has engineered inresponse to the specific challenges it has faced, have in turn been adopted as key strategies in developingcountries to support economic growth and business development.The expertise and experience which the organisation has gained over 50 years has been distilled into apragmatic approach which can assist countries in designing policies, institutions and frameworks for thepromotion of foreign direct investment, tourism, regional development and economic integration.To date we have completed projects in 60 countries on 4 continents. Our clients and partners include nationalgovernments, government and non-government organisations, development assistance agencies, the EU,World Bank, the UN, the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, and private institutionsThe talent and diversity of our 130 professional staff members is a source of particular pride. With both theprofessional skills and in-depth knowledge, our approach is to research, evaluate, select and implementpreferred solutions by drawing on our core competencies in areas such as economic planning, property andestate design and management, financial administration systems, business analysis, investment projectinitiation, marketing promotion and development.Our particular model of regional development is one that continues to be used effectively to assist developingeconomies in all aspects of economic development. We look forward to sharing our practical experience toachieve an innovative approach to development in other regions around the world.Masterplan for Shannon Free Zone – IrelandPage 2
National Technology Park - Master Plan ReviewIntroductionObjectiveSince its inception in 1984 as Ireland’s firstscience and technology park, the NationalTechnology Park (NTP) has become home to agrowing and influential nucleus of high-technologyand knowledge-based companies. With some 80organisations employing over 3,000 skilled people,the Park has a balanced mix of multinationalsubsidiaries, Irish technology companies, R&Dentities and support services, which occupy morethan 30 buildings with a total floor area ofapproximately 1.5 million square feet.The Masterplan objective is to present NTP as aleading international location for contemporarybusinesses representing both indigenous andforeign direct investment. The enabling features are: With the University of Limerick (UL) at its core andwith active links to the Limerick Institute ofTechnology (LIT), the whole thrust of the Park’sdevelopment has been to harness the technologyresources on the site and particularly those at theUniversity of Limerick campus towards the needsof enterprise and economic development. One ofthe key strengths of the National Technology Parkis its location adjacent to the University ofLimerick. The potential for collaboration andsynergy is a key attraction for businesses settingup in the NTP and can be capitalised on in thefuture. All of the current strategic planning documents andpolicies recognise the national importance andsignificance of the National Technology Park andhave policies and objectives which support itsfuture development and expansion. FlexibilityCreate a flexible development framework thatover time facilitates appropriate commercialresponses to changing market conditions.AccessibilityEnsure that the NTP is fully accessible to alland that all practical forms of public andprivate transport can be accommodated onsite in a satisfactory, mutually supportive andefficient manner.EfficiencyMake efficient use of all available sites,resources and areas, maximising developmentpotential and at the same time ensuring that ahigh quality environment (landscape, openspace, etc.) is maintained.ImageEnhance and promote the public and userimage of the NTP developing a strong senseof place with unique and memorable featuresthat readily define its character.LegibilityPursue a high standard of design in both theprivate and the public realms to create a Parkenvironment that is practical and readilyunderstood and appreciated by users andvisitors alike.AmenityCreate areas of high visual and environmentalamenity with water, open space and highquality landscaping that adds value to thesurrounding development.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 3
have a knowledge-based product or servicefor which there is strong export potential.A number of key considerations are important inthe continuing development of the NTP. Theseinclude; the development of infrastructuregenerally and broadband and telecommunicationsin particular; continuing investment in anddeepening of research & developmentprogrammes; supportive education and theavailability of suitable graduates; all of whichinfluence the development potential of the NTP.Accordingly it is vital that the NTP retains flexibilityinto the future.The physical expansion of the NTP is influencedby a number of factors including geographicalconstraints and opportunities, evolving economicconditions and, not least, planning considerations.This Masterplan considered the current context inrelation to planning and site issues with a view todeveloping a strategy for the future viability,consolidation and expansion of the NTP. It thenoutlined future directions to guide the developmentof the NTP into the future. The review showed thepotential of NTP to cater for up to 12,000 jobs inapproximately 2 million square feet of additionalspace in the Park.Growth of NTPThe National Technology Park Limerick wasformally inaugurated in 1984 as the firstScience/Technology Park in Ireland. It is managedand developed by The National TechnologicalPark Plassey Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiarycompany of Shannon Development. Including theUniversity of Limerick campus, the NTP covers anarea of approximately 738acres (299 Ha).The Park is currently home to more than 80separate organisations in a balanced blend ofmultinational subsidiaries, Irish technologycompanies, InnovationWorks, research anddevelopment companies and support servicesemploying over 3,000 people and occupying morethan 25 separate buildings with a floor area inexcess of 140,000 sq. meters (1.5 million sq. ft.)Business SectorsShannon Development has identified a number ofkey areas of importance and themes that will beused to guide the development and enhancementof the NTP into the future. They are: Digital ContentDigital Content Industry is a new industry fromthe convergence of previously distinct areasincluding electronic hardware, media andentertainment and telecommunications. Bio-Engineering/Medical DevicesBiotechnology is the use of cellular andmolecular processes to solve problems ormake useful products and it is an expandingindustry. SoftwareThere is a strong existing base of softwaredevelopment companies in Ireland with all ofthe top ten world wide software companieshaving a presence here. Projects of ScaleShannon Development has identified the needfor the NTP to attract a project of scale inorder to deliver economic activitycommensurate with the objectives of the park. High Potential Start-up UnitsHigh Potential Start-up Units (HPSUs) arecompanies based on technological innovation.HPSUS are defined as companies, which arepromoted by a strong management team, andWith the University of Limerick at its core and withactive links to the Limerick Institute of Technology,the whole thrust of the Park’s development hasbeen to harness the technology resources on thesite and particularly those at the University ofLimerick campus towards the needs of enterpriseand economic development.Since 1984, there has been significant growth atthe National Technology Park and University ofLimerick. Shannon Development acts as theManagement Company for the NTP providing thetechnology park concept of property management,encouraging indigenous and foreign directinvestment (FDI), encouraging links with the highereducation institute at UL and providing anincubation facility.Elsewhere in the mid-west region, ShannonDevelopment has been developing the KnowledgeNetwork – a network of leading edge technologybusiness locations with direct linkages to thirdlevel educational institutions. The network includesthe National Technology Park in Limerick, KerryTechnology Park in Tralee, Tipperary TechnologyPark in Thurles, Birr Technology Centre in Offaly,and Information Age Park Ennis in Clare.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 4
The need for research and developmentprogramme funding. Science FoundationIreland (SFI) has a national to fund researchdevelopment on ICT, and biotechnology, whichis very important to the University.SitesIn terms of positioning NTP for future growth, therequired physical attributes in attracting investmentinclude: Sites ranging from 20 acres Adequate electricity water and gas supplies Available supply of accommodation for rental orpurchase Sites as small as 0.5 acres availableShannon Development has identified five keyareas that they wish to attract to the NTPincluding; Shannon Development is also responsible for anumber of other parks in the area including; Raheen Business Park, which primarily catersfor manufacturing enterprises. Shannon Free Zone which is a multi-sectorpark incorporating aerospace, IT, Internationalservices and logistics.Digital Content SectorSoftwareBioEngineering/Medical DevicesProjects of scaleHigh Potential Start-upsShannon Development and the NationalTechnology Park are conscious of the need tocreate a balanced portfolio of industry sectorswhich have a high value potential.Business Environment andSector ConsiderationsIn the coming years Ireland’s success will befundamentally dependent on its ability to achievean environment where research and knowledge,high level skills and expertise, high qualityinfrastructure and business services, arecombined in a flexible and creative way. Many ofthese attributes are already available within theNational Technology Park but they need to becontinually enhanced and developed to ensure theNTP remains competitive in a globalised,knowledge based world economy.Therefore, there is the need to create a morebalanced portfolio of industry sectors at the NTPwith a high value added product. This will help tospread the exposure to any one particular industrysector. In choosing industry sectors to attract tothe park, there are a number of characteristicswhich are important to Shannon Development,including;Composition of Target SectorsDigital ContentDigital Content Industry is a new industry from theconvergence of previously distinct areas: Common Technology Platforms e.g.Biotechnology, software, wireless, embeddedtechnology Convergence – software, technology, industrialtechnologies Cross-over Technologies – sciences, IT,software. Core CompetenceTraditional contentElectronic HardwareMedia and Digital Content is highly reliant on links toeducational facilities such as UL and LimerickInstitute of Technology and therefore the NTP isideally located for firms engaged in theseenterprises.There are a number of important factors that helpinform the development of new business sectors atthe National Technology Park including;Bio-Engineering/ Medical DevicesBiotechnology is the use of cellular and molecularprocesses to solve problems or make usefulproducts and it is an expanding industry. The BioEngineering/Medical Devices sector represents asignificant opportunity for the development of theNTP into the future, particularly because of thelevel of activity undertaken at the University ofLimerick. The importance of defining a number ofcontemporary, niche sectors. Linkages to 4th level education, i.e., postgraduate, PhD, and Masters ResearchInstitutions.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 5
Ireland is among the largest exporters of softwarein the world. Eight of the top ten software suppliersin the world have operations in Ireland and itcontinues to be a leading European location fortechnology companies. Companies generally inthe sector now have multifunctional operations inIreland that contribute to Ireland’s reputation as alocation for high value, high skilled knowledgebased activities.UL has various bioengineering activities takingplace such as: Dental biomaterials & technologyPolymers for biomedical applicationsCardiovascular tissues & biomaterialsBioceramicsBiosensorsBone cementsBone tissue engineering & drug deliveryOrthopaedic cell & tissue engineeringProjects of ScaleShannon Development has identified the need forthe NTP to attract a project of scale in order todeliver economic activity commensurate with theobjectives of the park. It is envisaged that such aproject would be in a complementary field such assoftware and biotechnologyThe NTP is an ideal location for the furtherdevelopment of bioengineering and medicaldevices because it can offer: Established University with competence in theSector Government funding for Product Development /R&D Skilled relevant graduates available Established companies are relatively secure(having been through seed capital & productregulation phases) Common Technology Platforms & Cross-overHigh Potential Start-up UnitsThe availability of a thriving on-site Incubator,branded as InnovationWorks, is a key magnet fornew company formation. High Potential Start-upUnits (HPSUs) are companies based ontechnological innovation. HPSUs are defined ascompanies, which are promoted by a strongmanagement team, have a knowledge-basedproduct or service for which there is strong exportpotential. The location of the University of Limerickand LIT adjacent to the NTP offers a superbopportunity to create a synergy between HPSUs inthe NTP and activities in the University of Limerickand LIT. It is an area that Shannon Developmentis keen to target and the NTP is strongly placed toattract the development of HPSUs.SoftwareThere is a strong existing base of softwaredevelopment companies in Ireland.The Software sector is a key employer/exporterwithin the Irish economy.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 6
TelecommunicationsSWOT Appraisal A summary of the key issuesA full range of digital telecommunications servicescan be made available on demand by utilising /extending the existing network in the area.Limerick City is well served with a state-of-the-artMetropolitan Area Network (MAN), providingbroadband capabilities. This network runs throughthe Park. This MAN also links into the University ofLimerick.Strengths Established science and technology park withan international reputation. Synergy links with the University of Limerickand LIT Excellent transport access to the campus. Easy access to other knowledge centres Readily available highly skilled workforce High quality landscaping Large campus with ability to facilitate futureexpansion Large population centre within easy reach Availability of broadband Location in a gateway cityThe availability of this digital network facilitates thePark’s firms in exploiting the immenseopportunities, which exist, to develop and expandtheir firms by embracing the potentials of ebusiness.Future Development DirectionsThe National Technology Park needs to cater for anumber of existing and future needs at the Park.Shannon Development and the InnovationWorksstrongly supports and encourages thedevelopment of small Startup enterprises at thePark, which are closely associated with theUniversity. A number of very successfulcompanies have started at the InnovationWorksand grown considerably. It is a key objective thatthis type of growth would continue to flourish.Weaknesses Lack of gateway/entrance development Poor cycling facilitiesOpportunities Riverside development opportunity Expansion to the north in association with thealready expanded University of Limerick Growing life sciences sectors opportunity to build on UL and LITs reputatione.g software engineeringBearing in mind the full potential for development,the NTP is well serviced for water supply, effluentdisposal, power supply, gas supply andtelecommunications connectivity with no internalupgrades required for the foreseeable future.Threats Possible re-alignment of the road networkthrough the campus.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 7
MasterPlan for the Future ofShannon Free Zone, Ireland.Incorporating a ‘GreenPrint’ for sustainabilityProfile of Shannon Free Zone (SFZ)A new MasterPlanShannon Free Zone was established in 1959through the practical implementation of theconcept of creating the world’s first duty freemanufacturing zone in modern times. It is stilltoday a highly successful location for internationalbusiness. This success is built on creativity andinnovation and on the embedding of a continuousflow of new approaches and concepts. Now at its50th Anniversary, it is highly appropriate that thecurrent competitiveness of Shannon Free Zonecontinues to represent leadership in both thephysical infrastructure and sector orientationrelevant to winning the best in contemporaryinvestment. A masterplan with a vision and animplementation framework that will assureShannon Free Zone’s leadership position in thecoming decades is necessary in a fast changingworld.Shannon Development’s objective in implementingthe new masterplan is to present a sustainablemodel for new levels of investment. The companyhas a very exciting and comprehensive physicalmasterplan which will provide a blueprint for ahighly sustainable world class built environment.Our success will be projected on the twin pillars ofcompetitiveness and sustainability.Shannon Free Zone (SFZ) occupies land in twoadjacent areas known respectively as ShannonFree Zone West and Shannon Free Zone East.The Masterplan takes full cognisance of thecurrent international emphasis on sustainabilityand incorporates an environmentally friendly“GreenPrint” methodology which is furtherexplained in the relevant section below.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 8
for subcontract and service activities supportingcompanies located on Shannon Free Zone.Smithstown is now home to about 150 firms acrossmany sectors. Practically all of SmithstownBusiness Park is constructed, with a buildingfootprint of approximately 800,000 sq.ft. of whichabout 90% is owned by the private sector and 10%is owned by Shannon Development.The ChallengeEvery business park needs to ensure it continuesto be relevant to the needs of contemporaryindustry. For the Shannon Free Zone, which hasbeen in existence for 50 years, the challenge is toposition this large and successful Business Parkso that it continues to be recognised as a ‘mustsee’ location for the best mobile investmentavailable.Why a new MasterPlan?The primary objectives of this Masterplan havebeen as follows:Shannon Free Zone (SFZ)Shannon Free Zone (SFZ) is divided into two keyareas, Shannon free Zone West and ShannonFree Zone East:1. To support the revitalisation of Shannon FreeZone as a premier 21st century Business &Technology Park and to reaffirm itsinternational market leader reputation forinnovation and excellence.Shannon Free Zone WestSFZ West has an area of approximately 300 acresand is about 80% built out with a building footprintof approximately 4 million sq ft, of which about50% is owned by Shannon Development and 50%by the private sector. The initial infrastructure wasinstalled and the first buildings were erected onSFZ West in 1958/59.2. To define a programme for the continueddevelopment and physical regeneration ofShannon Free Zone, Smithstown BusinessPark and the neighbouring environment, tosupport Shannon’s further enhancement as oneof Ireland's premier locations for moderninternationally traded manufacturing andinternational services.The area has undergone continuous developmentand improvement with the result that facilities nowinclude the most modern stand alone officecomplexes, advanced manufacturing andwarehouses. Currently demand from contemporaryenterprise in older buildings is quite limited. Manyof these buildings are referred to as “Northlight”and, in particular, have limitations in respect ofinternal roof height and overall natural lighting.This reality is recognised by ShannonDevelopment as one of the fundamental issues tobe addressed in the masterplan through thedevelopment of appropriate regeneration and/orbrownfield solutions.3. To promote the continuous sustainableimprovement of the competitiveness ofShannon Free Zone in the short, medium andlong term through cost effective improvement inthe design and quality of the existing and newbuildings and of the infrastructure.4. To create a framework that will lead to ShannonFree Zone becoming a showcase forenvironmentally sustainable approaches andachieving recognition as a “people friendly”environment.5. To enhance Shannon Free Zone’scompetitiveness through the incorporation ofenergy and environmentally sustainableapproaches through the development ofprinciples for highly sustainable buildings andbuilding complexes and the encouragement ofeco-friendly approaches throughout the Zone.Shannon Free Zone EastSFZ East consists of approximately 300 acres ofGreenfield land and to date approximately 25% ofthe land has been utilised for stand alone officeand advanced manufacturing premises andapproximately 220 acres remain available forstrategic Greenfield development.6 To support the cultivation of a people friendlyenvironment by enhancing Shannon Free Zoneas a living, thriving community whose ongoingdevelopment will be characterised by theincorporation and development of buildings,infrastructure, public spaces, facilities andamenities which will improve the environmentSmithstown Business Park is a separatecomplementary park located immediately adjacentto Shannon Free Zone East which was originallydeveloped by Shannon Development as a locationFurther information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 9
The first assessment, based on the commitmentscontained in the Masterpan, has yielded an‘Exemplar’ rating, which is the highest ratingavailable in the ‘GreenPrint’ rating system. TheShannon Free Zone GreenPrint sets out clear,understandable sustainability objectives andbenchmarks under eight key categories covering arange of social, economic and environmentalissues:for its workforce and create a welcoming andattractive space for the wider community.7. To ensure that the future design andmanagement of the buildings and the externalenvironments considers the diverse needs ofour society including ease of access, safety anduse of the buildings. The Masterplan willdemonstrate best practice in relation todisability awareness including adherence to theprinciple of Universal Accessibility to ensureequality and inclusiveness for everyone.Climate Change - Ensures developmentsmitigate, and are appropriately adapted to, presentand future climate change impacts.8. To incorporate proposals for demonstratorprojects, iconic buildings and features that willexemplify Shannon Free Zone’s modernisationand competitiveness and demonstrate itsbusiness environment as eco-sensitive andpeople centred.Transport - Ensures transport hierarchy issuesare fully addressed and catered for within thedevelopment.Placemaking - Ensures the design process, sitelayout and form provides a development that isappropriate to the local context.9. To initiate the creation of a learningenvironment in Shannon Free Zone, and in itspartner organisations and in the widercommunity. This will facilitate the incorporationof the concepts and approaches developedduring the masterplanning process.Resources - Promotes the sustainable use ofresources including energy, water and materialsand promotes the reduction of waste, both in theconstruction and operational phases.Ecology - Ensures the ecological value of the siteis conserved and enhanced.10. To develop a new or enhanced image forShannon Free Zone. The Masterplan outlines avision and proposals for the physicaldevelopment of the Zone.Business - Ensures that the developmentcontributes to the sustainable economic vitality ofthe local area and the region.Community - Ensures the development supportsa vibrant, diverse and inclusive businesscommunity that integrates with and supports thesurrounding area.Buildings - Ensures that the design of individualbuildings does not undermine the sustainability ofthe overall development.How to create an environmentally-friendlyapproach - GreenPrint for SustainabilityThe ‘GreenPrint’ for the Shannon Free Zone is abrand new sustainability assessment processwhich has been developed by the BuildingResearch Establishment (BRE) in collaborationwith Shannon Development and the MasterplanDesign Team. It takes full account of localplanning policy and sustainability guidance, as wellas other issues relevant to the SFZ site, and ifused throughout the planning and design stageswill ensure the delivery of a truly sustainabledevelopment.Shannon Free Zone is the first business andtechnology park worldwide which has a Masterplanbased on the comprehensive sustainabilityprinciples of GreenPrint, and which will beassessed throughout the implementation period byan independent highly reputable environmentalstandards organisation.Further information can be obtained at www.ShannonDevelopment.ie/ConsultancyPage 10
3. The blocks of land released through the phaseddemolition of these buildings will be zoned foreither office activity or advancedmanufacturing.4. The replacement of older (north light) buildingswill require a high level of strategic planningand management. Fundamental to this processwill be a desire for minimum disruption toexisting enterprise clients. Provision is made forattractive short, medium and long term optionsfor business accommodation (temporary andpermanent) to encourage participation in theprocess by existing business owners andtenants.5. Long established large scale manufacturingfacilities within SFZ West remain thecornerstone of the park and capacity for theirfuture growth and expansion will beaccommodated in the Masterplan.6. Innovative new developments by the privatesector that meet the principles of theMasterplan will be encouraged and facilitatedas far as possible.7. Facilities will be provided to promote newairside aviation-based developments.The Master Planning process Building AssessmentsAs part of the Masterplan development, a majorsurvey of building quality
Sample Case Studies Background on Shannon Development. 2 National Technology Park - Master Plan Review. 3 MasterPlan for the Future of Shannon Free Zone . Managing and developing the Knowledge Network, a series of modern business parks linked to third level institutes and
