Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
266. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if an application has been received for funding to ensure sites (details supplied) will remain open beyond 31 December 2020; and if so, if the application includes funding for the two sites that have remained closed since March 2020. [34825/20]
View answer267. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the status of the review by his Department into a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34826/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for her questions on Shannon Heritage sites and Shannon Group.
In terms of supports for particular Shannon Heritage sites, I refer the Deputy to my reply of 7 October 2020 last (29234/20). Since then, Budget 2021 reflected this Government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Ireland’s strategic heritage sites, like Bunratty and King John’s Castle. A range of horizontal and targeted measures were announced for tourism and heritage companies like Shannon Heritage. It is open to the Company to explore the various support mechanisms on offer such as the Department of Tourism, Culture Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media's €55m Recovery and Resilience Scheme.
The Deputy will be aware that I have committed to undertaking an examination of the future viability and sustainability of Shannon Group. This review will consider financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate for Shannon Group and its subsidiaries, including Shannon Heritage. I will be bringing recommendations to Government in this regard shortly.
I want to ensure that the Company will be well positioned for the future particularly given the important economic contribution Shannon Airport makes.
