Connemara Chamber

  Connemara Chamber Welcomes Relaxation of Rural Planning Laws The Connemara Chamber has welcomed the recent relaxation of rural planning laws, recognising this as a positive step forward for communities and the future of Clifden and Connemara. For many years, planning, housing and infrastructure have been among the most important issues affecting people living and working across the region. In 2024, the Connemara Chamber undertook a major survey focused on planning, housing and roads to better understand the experiences, concerns and priorities of local communities. The response was significant, with almost 900 people taking part — a clear reflection of how important these issues are to Connemara residents and stakeholders. The survey gathered valuable local evidence and insight, helping to highlight the real challenges facing families, communities and businesses in rural areas. The Chamber believes that this collective voice contributed to the wider case for change and reinforced the need for a more balanced and practical approach to rural planning. The recent changes to rural planning policy are a welcome development and represent an important opportunity to support sustainable rural communities, housing needs and long-term regional vitality. The Connemara Chamber would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time […]

Connemara Chamber Christmas Lights Initiative – Lighting Up Our Community The Connemara Chamber is pleased to publish an overview of the Christmas Lights Initiative, including monies raised and associated expenditure for the period 2023–2025. Each year, the Christmas lights help transform Clifden town into a place of warmth, celebration and connection during the festive season. They play an important role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents, visitors and businesses alike — helping to support the local economy while adding to the unique spirit of Christmas in Connemara. For many families, the switching on of the Christmas lights marks the beginning of the festive season and creates special memories that last a lifetime as well as adding to the sense of community that Christmas brings. The Chamber would like to sincerely thank all businesses, organisations, volunteers, sponsors and members of the community who have contributed to fundraising efforts and supported this initiative over the years. Delivering and maintaining the Christmas lights programme requires considerable coordination, commitment and financial support. In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Chamber is sharing a summary of income raised and expenditure incurred between 2023 and 2025. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure […]

Connemara Chamber is delighted to announce the appointment of Siobhán Roche as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer. Following the success of the Chamber’s Win A Home in Clifden initiative in 2025, this appointment marks the achievement of one of the long-stated objectives of the current board: to put in place a full-time, paid CEO to lead and manage the Chamber’s work on behalf of its members and the wider Connemara community. The Chamber undertook an extensive eight-week external recruitment process, managed by 2into3, a consultancy with specialist expertise in executive search and recruitment within the social impact and nonprofit sectors. The final candidate evaluation process was led by 2into3, with valuable support from Kenny Deery, former CEO of Galway Chamber and current Programme Manager of the West Regional Enterprise Plan at Galway County Council. Siobhán Roche holds a master’s in business administration from NUI Galway and brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the role. She comes from a family business, the Rock Glen Country House Hotel, giving her a solid background in tourism and hospitality management. She spent over 12 years in Luxembourg as an events manager organising conferences and roadshows around the world. More recently Siobhan […]