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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Questions (170)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

170. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the decision by an organisation (details supplied) to close some of its sites at the end of August 2020; if his attention has been further drawn to the decision to keep certain sites under its remit closed until 2021; if he has spoken to the management of the organisation regarding the decision; and the supports he will put in place to allow the decision to be reversed. [17252/20]

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Written answers

The management at Shannon Group, the parent Company for Shannon Heritage have been in regular contact with my Department in relation to the opening arrangements of its various sites, arising from the impacts of Covid-19.  However, as I have previously advised, the management of Shannon Heritage sites, including their opening arrangements, is an operational matter for Shannon Heritage and Shannon Group plc which is a commercial State Body.

I am of course aware of the devastating impact of Covid 19 on the tourism sector right across the country and Shannon Group, which operates in both the tourism and aviation sectors, has been particularly impacted.   For this reason, my Department is working closely with the Company and is considering the requests made with regard to supports that may be necessary.  Once I have considered the options available, I intend to revert to Government in this regard.

I have also had the opportunity to meet with Shannon Group CEO recently and am fully aware of the challenges faced by Shannon Airport and Shannon Heritage and can confirm that Minister of State Naughton also met with the CEO and Chairperson of the Group recently to hear first hand the challenges faced by the Group.

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