Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
66. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council; and the supports his Department is providing to make this transfer a success. [22302/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
As the Deputy will be aware, Shannon Group informed the Department in Summer 2020 that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure to secure the long-term future of the Shannon Heritage business and its employees. A number of challenges had arisen, including the lack of expertise in the Group for maintaining the heritage sites; the capital investment required to maintain and preserve the heritage sites arising from a lack of investment over time; and the impact of the onset of COVID-19 on Shannon Group which is heavily dependent on inward tourism.
Shannon Group has had extensive engagement with the relevant local authorities since early last year. Shannon Heritage ended their management contracts with An Post and Fingal County Council for sites in Dublin on 31 December 2021 and the transfer of the business and employees took place without issue. King John’s Castle was successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April. I would like to acknowledge the extensive preparation and cooperation between Shannon Group and Fingal County Council, Limerick County Council and An Post for the smooth transfer of these sites.
Shannon Group continues to engage with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet. The Department is engaging regularly with both parties with a view to progressing the transfer preparations.
As part of its engagement, Clare County Council has identified a funding gap which it is seeking government assistance on in order to be in a position to take over the sites. The Department established an inter-departmental working group, made up of key stakeholders, to consider these funding requirements. Stakeholders include the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the OPW, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.
The Group held its first meeting on 19 May and its second on 9 June. The Group will meet again later this month. I would like to thank the representatives for their positive engagement at the meetings held to date.
Once the remaining issues around the transfer are resolved, particularly in relation to funding, Shannon Group will be in a position to seek the formal consent of the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to execute the transfer of the business and the relevant heritage sites and this will be done with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I would like to assure the Deputy that Government recognises the importance of these sites to the mid-west region, and that this Government will continue to support Shannon Group to ensure that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will proceed as planned with a view to ensuring the long-term viability and success of the business.
