Waterford Chamber's first patron feels "privileged and honoured" 

Paul Nolan has been honoured with the title of first Patron of Waterford Chamber. 

Mr Nolan, who served two terms as President of the South-East's largest business representative organisation, is Group Commercial Director with Dawn Meats and has been a constant in terms of his commitment to Waterford over the past number of decades.

Honouring him as its first patron was indicative of the Chamber acknowledging Mr Nolan's incredible contribution to the economic, commercial and social fabric of County Waterford but speaking to Waterford News & Star about his patronage he himself was quick to emphasise that while it was an honour the patronage was also a vehicle through which he hopes to champion the case for Waterford in terms of its economic development potential.

"I have been associated with the Chamber for a long number of years and it's something I feel passionate about and I feel it's an avenue for me to put something back into the community in which I work and live," he said.

The patronage is a new initiative within the Chamber, but it was also something he didn't know was coming, and when asked would he accept the patronage he said he "slightly hesitated" for two reasons.

"It was almost a shock that someone would offer you such an honour and a privilege, and to have such a recognition," he said.

"However, on the other hand my view of the role is that there is no 'I' in team and I am very conscious of that," he added.

"I would not want anyone to think this is the Paul Nolan show or anything because it's only as good as its members."

Mr Nolan said the Chamber had changed its policies a bit over the years to reflect the modern, changing environment.

"Over the last 10 years we have looked to build a Board of not so much personalities, but more people who will bring skills to the Board that are required to do the best we can for Waterford," he said.

"All of that then is about standing up to the adage of making Waterford a great place to work, live and do business in and that requires a reasonable amount of lobbying because you have to have the membership on board so that you clearly have the message from them as to what the priorities are and then it's a case of lobbying, in most cases to Government, to help us to help ourselves," he added.

Mr Nolan then commented: "What I mean by that is, over the last few years we have had quite a number of ministers with us and we have had party leaders and Secretary Generals of all the departments as well an the idea was to make our case, because we have no doubt there are listening to the same case arguments from around the country as well."

"You have to be able to stand up and justify what you're looking for, and why," he said.

With regard to the important issues for Waterford at the moment he said the "big ones at the moment are the airport, the Port and SETU".

 "In the case of the university, well we have a university yes, but we want a university of substance because it has to be given the chance to establish itself," he said.

"We have been doing strong lobbying on the veterinary college because that makes absolute sense because you have a very large livestock and bloodstock industry in the region," he added.

"So where better to put the veterinary college than in the only university in the region."

Mr Nolan was full of praise for all the Board members and also the Chamber members in general. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the Chamber President Niall Harrington and the Board for "honouring me with this accolade".

In accepting the Patronage, Mr Nolan said: “I never expected to be granted such an accolade, it certainly wasn’t needed in terms of my commitment to Waterford and Waterford Chamber but it is truly an honour and one I am very proud to accept."

Meanwhile, Niall Harrington, said Mr Nolan was the ideal person for the patronage. 

"As Waterford’s position as the capital of the South East strengthens, and with more and more opportunities coming on stream for Waterford and the South East in terms of economic development, Waterford Chamber needed someone to lead the charge on a national and international level and who better than Paul Nolan," he said.

He commented that Mr Nolan's voluntary commitment to not only Waterford Chamber, but the city and region at large, "has been unwavering and widely acknowledged". However, he also pointed out he is "hugely respected in business, is vastly experienced and highly networked in political and stakeholder engagement".

“As the first Patron of Waterford Chamber, Paul will represent us at a national and international level and currently serves as a Board member of Chambers Ireland, as well as being on the Board of Propelor BIC, the Quality Assurance Board of Bord Bia and is Chairperson of the SETU Land Sciences Industry Board," said Mr Harrington.

"Not only that, but he will act as an advisor to the Chamber Executive and guide new Board members into the future, while also sharing his expertise in terms of Governance," he added.

He said Waterford Chamber is looking forward to working closely with Mr Nolan in growing the chamber's network along with influencing decision makers and making a better Waterford and South East region for everyone.

“I believe in the work Waterford Chamber does, I can see first hand the time and effort that goes into the organisation, the hard work the team puts in for their members and the wider business community at large," he said.

Commenting that he was humbled and grateful for the honour bestowed on him, he said: “This is a very exciting time for Waterford and I am looking forward to sharing the opportunities that exist for the city nationally and internationally, while also supporting Waterford Chamber in terms of governance and future boards."