I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179 and 180 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for her questions in relation to Shannon Group, one of which has been forwarded for my attention by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
As we are all too well aware Covid-19 is having a devastating impact across our economy with the aviation and tourism sectors particularly affected. Given Shannon Group operates in both these sectors, the impacts on the Group, in terms of its future strategic and financial outlook, have been severe.
Taking these factors into account, together with the importance of Shannon Airport to the Mid-West region, I considered it appropriate that my Department would undertake a review on the future viability of Shannon Group, including restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate including in relation to Shannon Heritage. I intend to revert to Government with recommendations on this issue in the coming weeks.
The Deputy should be aware that prior to Covid-19 Shannon Group had been delivering on its commercial mandate and improving profitability. Since separation from daa, passenger numbers at the Airport had increased every year until 2019 when Shannon was particularly badly impacted by the global grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and more recently in relation to the impacts of COVID. In recent years visitor numbers have increased at the tourist attractions operated by Shannon Heritage and the Group recorded and continues to record strong growth in its commercial property company.
In relation to Shannon Heritage, as I have previously advised, having considered the importance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John's Castle to the local economy and the region, from both a tourism and jobs perspective and given the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, a commitment was made to provide the incremental costs required to ensure that these two landmark tourist attractions, which were due to close at the end of August, could remain open to the end of 2020. However, since that commitment was given, new restrictions introduced to control COVID-19 meant that the sites had to close in October. My Department is engaging with Shannon Group on the detail and conditions attaching to the funding necessary to provide the incremental costs of keeping the sites open to end 2020. In that regard I understand that there will be an outdoor Christmas tourism offering at Bunratty Castle and Folkpark in line with public health restrictions.
The position in relation to the opening of Shannon Heritage sites in 2021 is a matter for Shannon Group which operates its business on a commercial basis. I also understand that Shannon Group has engaged at all times with its staff on the issues and difficulties being faced by the Company.
Finally, in recognition of the devastating impacts of Covid on Shannon Group, Government is providing almost €30m in supports to the Group in 2020 and 2021. I can assure the Deputy that Government recognises the strategic importance of Shannon Group to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally and is confident that the supports provided to the Group will provide a solid financial foundation for the Group in 2021 and position it for recovery in the future.