Companies backed by State agency Shannon Development now employ 20,530 people, a net increase of 575 on 2005, according to the body's review of 2006.
Sales by companies came to €5.3 billion, up from €5 billion, while R&D spending rose from €60.7m to €68.9m. Shannon Development also said the region attracted more than 1.7 million visitors, which generated €400m in tourism revenue.
CEO Kevin Thompstone called for regional development to be prioritised in the Government's new National Development Plan, saying further investment in road, rail and telecoms infrastructure was needed to ensure balanced development.
He called for the speedy re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor and strong tourism promotional campaign targeted at North America to attract more traffic through Shannon Airport.
