Limerick Chamber Welcomes EU Commissioner Michael McGrath for 2025 Annual Business Lunch

Limerick Chamber Welcomes EU Commissioner Michael McGrath for 2025 Annual Business Lunch. Limerick Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher, Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner, and Limerick Chamber President Noel Gavin are pictured at the event. Photo: Kieran Ryan-Benson

Limerick Chamber, in partnership with AIB, welcomed over 180 business leaders and representatives from across the Mid-West region to its Annual Business Lunch event

The Limerick Chamber event, held at Castletroy Park Hotel, featured a keynote address from European Commissioner Michael McGrath, who outlined the Commission’s work in setting policy on key global issues, including free trade, AI regulation, the situation in Ukraine, and reinforced the importance of community engagement and the role it plays in shaping policy reforms.

A key pillar of the Commission’s mandate, Commissioner McGrath noted, is improving the EU’s competitive position in global trade by reducing bureaucracy and ensuring sustainability regulations remain fit for purpose.

With the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, Commissioner McGrath stressed the importance of fostering innovation in industry and ensuring regulatory frameworks, including company and civil law, support Europe’s overall decarbonization efforts. He also outlined new digital regulations which are currently in development and emphasized the importance of ensuring businesses across all member states operate on a level playing field within the Single Market. The forthcoming consultations on regulatory changes will provide businesses with an opportunity to contribute to shaping a more predictable and stable business environment.

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Commissioner McGrath emphasised that the Mid-West region is well-positioned to take advantage of EU initiatives. He cited the increasing scrutiny on imports into the EU, particularly the need for higher compliance standards.

The EU Commissioner said, “The challenges facing Europe today— including the need to strengthen our democratic resilience, enhance our economic competitiveness, improve our security and address climate change – can only be met through collective action.

“As Commissioner with responsibility for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, I am committed to working closely with colleagues in the College of Commissioners to make Europe safer and more agile.

“I am conscious of the need to listen to a wide spectrum of opinion as we formulate our policy positions in an uncertain and fragmented global geopolitical environment.

“In that regard, I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with members of business community and education stakeholders in the mid-west region to hear first-hand their experiences and gain an insight in to how the European Union can assist with supporting them in their activities.”

Speaking at the event, Limerick Chamber President Noel Gavin reinforced the importance of direct engagement with European policymakers, ensuring that businesses in our region remain informed and have a voice in shaping key EU policies.

Noel Gavin noted, “Limerick Chamber is committed to advocating for our business community at regional, national, and European levels. Today’s discussion with Commissioner McGrath reinforces the power of a collective voice and the need for strong engagement with EU policymakers to drive investment, secure a future for our region, and ensure that Ireland continues to play a leading role in global trade and innovation.”

Limerick Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Chamber’s role in equipping businesses with the knowledge they need to navigate evolving EU policies.

“Limerick Chamber works tirelessly to ensure that our members remain informed, connected, and ready to seize opportunities in this  rapidly evolving business environment. Direct engagement with European leaders like Commissioner McGrath reinforces the Chamber’s position as the leading voice for business in the Mid-West Region. These opportunities allow us to bring the voices of our members and their concerns to the table, ensuring their needs and insights are represented in key policy discussions shaping the future of our region at national and European level,” said Michelle Gallagher.

Limerick Chamber is in partnership with AIB, which plays a crucial role in supporting small and medium enterprises through tailored initiatives and engagement.

Damien Garrihy, Business Banking Clare/Limerick, AIB, said,  “AIB is delighted to sponsor the Limerick Chamber Luncheon which has become an important fixture on the business calendar in the Mid-West. We are proud of our partnership with Limerick Chamber and the important work it does to foster deep relationships with businesses in the Mid-West. Events such as this provide a platform for the business community of the Mid-West to gather insights from Commissioner Michael McGrath and discuss the rapidly changing geopolitical environment.”

Limerick Chamber extends our thanks to Commissioner McGrath, AIB, and all attendees for the support and involvement to this event and the discussion undertaken.