A new report has found that the Shannon Foynes Port facilitates trade worth 7.6 billion euro a year.
The figure is the equivalent of 1% of Ireland's GDP
This independent research from W2 Consulting outlines the importance of the Shannon Foynes Port to the MidWest and Irish economies.
Based on 2014 figures, it finds that the port and its companies plan to spend a combined 277 million euro over the five years to 2019, generating nearly 3,400 jobs for the region.
The Shannon Foynes Port Company itself plans to spend 130 million euro on expansion as part of its Vision 2041 plan, though this figure jumps to 1.8 billion euro over the plan's lifetime.
Across Clare, Limerick and Kerry a total of 1,200 hectares have been zoned for port development.
The company's CEO Pat Keating has said the new Limerick to Foynes Road is vital to its future, as well as a rail link to the city.
