Spotlight On Dee Ryan

  • Deirdre Ryan, CEO Limerick Chamber
Dee Ryan, CEO of Limerick Chamber

Limerick.ie's Q&A with Dee Ryan, new CEO of Limerick Chamber

Tell us about your background?

I graduated from University of Limerick with an honours degree in Business Studies and also a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute. I was previously the founder and CEO of an award-winning Limerick based agency, SPARK Marketing, and also as Executive Director of Limerick based international aid agency Bóthar.

What attracted you to the role of CEO of Limerick Chamber?

Having the experience of running a business through the recession years I have developed an understanding and interest in government economic policy and how that impacts on local economy. The chance to be part of that is something that attracted me to the role.

What does your new role entail?

I work closely with the Limerick Chamber board of directors and also the internal team here in the Chamber. I’m determined that we continue to play a pivotal role; having our own plan, helping to form the narrative and pushing for changes needed to make sure our members have the best possible operating environment so that they and the region can thrive.

What are your key aims as CEO?

Overall, I’m looking forward to developing a new strategic plan for Limerick Chamber and how we can enhance our offering to members and best support their needs. Specifically I’m focused on:

  1. Working to ensure we can represent their viewpoint through in-house policy we develop and our lobbying at national government level.
  2. Continuing to keep the foot down on infrastructure, doing what we can to keep pressure on the delivery of key projects like the M20 and Northern Distributor Road, which are critical to the ongoing development of Limerick and the region, as quickly as possible.
  3. I am also focused on revitalisation of Limerick City Centre so that it contributes as a regional draw.
Limerick Chamber Logo

What do you see as the strength of Limerick Chamber?

The level of collaboration and joined up thinking in the region and strong engagement with the wider community around redevelopment, is a key strength. The collaborative approach to enterprise in Limerick has been further enhanced by the development of spaces such as ‘Engine’, Bank of Ireland’s Workbench facility, the Nexus Innovation Centre at UL and the Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre at LIT.

What do you think Limerick’s main strengths are for attracting investment and growth? What are the main challenges?

Overall there is a very positive outlook in the city and county, Limerick is a good all-rounder with a healthy mix of industries.

The main challenges are:

  • Availability of landing space, grade A office space and greenfield sites for expanding indigenous companies and FDI’s alike
  • Investment in our seats of learning to future proof the pipeline of skilled graduates
  • Investment in Shannon Airport and expanding strategic routes
  • Housing for existing workers and in order to be able to attract new companies to the area
  • Connectivity through land (M20), sea (Shannon Foynes Port) and air (Shannon Airport routes)
Deirdre Ryan Limerick Chamber 0001 810x456

Where do you see opportunity for Limerick going forward?

With the growth of local businesses creating employment in the region, and larger organisations such as Troy Studios and Edwards Lifesciences there is confidence in the Mid-West. Improved connectivity and more air routes for Shannon are a key driver to boost our economy and essential for the Mid-West to grow. Pivotal to see a rebirth of Limerick City Centre with the finalisation of the local government plans for investment into its redevelopment. The stakeholders recognise the importance and draw of a thinking urban centre at the heart of the wider region, so we are focused on working with local authorities to ensure those plans come to fruition.

I see us as being the most competitively positioned city outside of Dublin for growth. We have space, both greenfield and brownfield sites combined with LEED gold office space. We also have a strong pipeline of graduates and industry collaboration with seats of learning to ensure the most relevant courses are on offer.

What do you enjoy about working in Limerick?

I enjoy the openness and collaboration that makes Limerick an easy city to do business with. It is also great to see all the new businesses opening in the city centre in the past year.

See More