Galway Chamber

In attendance at the Galway Chamber Sustainability event was: Back row (L-R): Dr Declan Bogan, Rob Silke, John McGeown, Stephen Brady, Seamus Fennessy. Front row (L-R): Paul Dullaghan, Fran McNulty, Lisa Cooley, Alan Waters, Edel Shine, Emma Fox, Mike Fogarty.

Galway businesses explore the value of sustainability practices

Galway Chamber

Published: Mon 6 Jul 2026, 12:30 PM

MORE THAN 60 Galway business leaders gathered in the city recently to discuss how sustainability can drive growth, competitiveness, and resilience.

‘Creating Business Value Through Sustainability’ was an event hosted by Galway Chamber on Thursday June 25 in the Portershed, delivered in partnership with AIB. It explored how embedding sustainability into business strategy can create long-term value and competitive advantage and offered practical insights on managing costs, strengthening resilience and preparing for evolving regulatory requirements.

Among the speakers were Paul Dullaghan, Head of Business Banking Northwest and Midlands at AIB, Dr. Declan Bogan of Goodbody Clearstream, and Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber who opened the event.

"Businesses across Galway recognise that sustainability presents both opportunities and challenges,” remarked Karen Ronan in her speech.

“Our role at Galway Chamber is to support our members by providing practical knowledge, opportunities to learn from one another and connections that help businesses take meaningful steps forward.

“Events like this demonstrate the strength of collaboration in building a more resilient and competitive business community."

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L-R: Ciara Greaney (White Spire), John McGeown (AIB), Alan Waters (AIB), Dylan Kelly McDonagh (iSupply), Fran McNulty (Goodbody Clearstream), Dr Declan Bogan (Goodbody Clearstream), Karen Ronan (Galway Chamber), Edel Shine (AIB), Lisa Cooley (AIB), Declan Slemon (Aerogen) and Paul Dullaghan (AIB). Photo by null

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Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber. Photo by null

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Paul Dullaghan, AIB Head of Business Banking Northwest and Midlands. Photo by null

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L-R: Dylan Kelly McDonagh (iSupply), Grace O’Shea (Failte Ireland), Conor Coyne (Kylemore Abbey), Declan Slemon (Aerogen). Photo by null

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L-R: Dylan Kelly McDonagh (iSupply), Grace O’Shea (Failte Ireland), Conor Coyne (Kylemore Abbey), Declan Slemon (Aerogen), Fran McNulty (Goodbody Clearstream). Photo by null

Attendees also heard from a panel of local industry representatives, hosted by Fran McNulty of Goodbody Clearstream, featuring speakers from Kylemore Abbey, Aerogen, Fáilte Ireland and iSupply.

Panellists shared how prioritising sustainability within their organisations has delivered greater efficiency, strengthened resilience, reduced costs and created value for both their businesses and their customers.

“Sustainability is increasingly shaping how businesses manage costs, strengthen competitiveness and prepare for future regulation,” explained Paul Dullaghan of AIB.

“At AIB, we’re committed to supporting customers beyond finance, helping them identify opportunities to create long-term value through sustainability.”

The day concluded with a networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to continue discussions, exchange experiences and build connections with fellow business leaders from across the community.