Letterkenny has a new Chamber president

Letterkenny Chamber’s new president is ready, willing and able to make sure her adopted town continues to grow and attract new people and industries.

Fionnuala Rabbitt who was elected at the Chamber’s annual general meeting held at the Century Complex meeting rooms on Tuesday night says she is delighted at her appointment, particularly as she is not originally from the area.

Born in the US, Fionnuala and her family moved back to Oranmore,  just outside Galway city when she was six years old. Her father Gerry became involved with local radio, Galway Bay FM. She joined his team as a researcher for the then-current affairs programme The Keith Finnegan Show. Following the completion of anHonours degree in Public and Social Policy at NUIG, she was promoted to producer of that show. 

In 2013 she took on the extra role of Digital Media Administrator which involves not only developing GBFM's digital media strategy but also training staff and co-ordination of online content.

In 2007 Fionnuala became a director of Highland Radio in Letterkenny and now as chief executive is involved in the continued development of its overall business strategy.

"I've been here for nine years and really got to know and love Donegal its people and the whole area. It's fantastic being able to look forward to a year representing Letterkenny Chamber and its business community. I'm hoping  to continue the good work  that the Chamber has been doing for so long and help promote the county as a whole."

She makes no secret of the fact that the town and region in general have great potential and often punch above their weight.

"Donegal is a fantastic place to be able to come to and live and work in and I'm proof of that. I came up here without really knowing anybody except the few members of staff I interacted with at a board meeting but joining the Chamber has given me a network of businesses I can chat with if anything comes up. They have helped me with so many things and support on so many levels."

She says part of her mission would be to continue to encourage people to get involved with the organisation and enjoy the strength that numbers provide.

"We currently have 285 members and 30 of those came on board last year so the Chamber is growing all the time and with expansion comes more support, knowledge and friends. Our Chamber staff numbers have grown too and recruitment is always open so anyone out there interested should get in touch."

Ms Rabbitt (above) believes Letterkenny and indeed Donegal as a whole enjoy a great entrepreneurial spirit with many small firms and high-tech businesses starting up.

"Small independent businesses are important to the future and our Chamber is always willing to help them progress. 

“We can use our power to lobby through Chambers Ireland to ensure their voices can be heard."

She acknowledges that these were challenging times for the business community with the cost of living crisis, Brexit and the day-to-day effort needed to keep going but she is optimistic about the future.

"There's no point pussyfooting around. This is a difficult time for businesses. 

“We heard it from our staff. They come to us about ever-increasing costs, rent, day-to-day living expenses and the like and nobody knows how long this will last. 

“What is important is we focus on the positives we have in Donegal. 

“We need to look at ways to make it even more inviting and enticing for people to come here because the more businesses we have here the more strength builds up in our economy.”

She also believes it is vital that organisations throughout the north-west work together to help the region as a whole.

"We have to work together to make sure any funding that is out there is coming to this region and to that end we work with other organisations such as the Derry-Londonderry Chamber on projects like the A5 motorway to make sure we all benefit." 

Fionnuala’s first official engagement takes place tonight (Thursday) at Dublin Castle where she will represent the Letterkenny Chamber at the formal launch of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland's 100th anniversary celebrations. Her next local engagement will be the Letterkenny Chamber board meeting next Tuesday. Looks like a busy year ahead for Fionnuala.