Press release
Ministers Ryan and Chambers welcome proposed financial package for transfer of Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Jack Chambers asked the government to note the financial package proposed in relation to the proposed transfer of the Shannon Heritage business from Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council.
A significant financial package of €6 million in Exchequer funding to support the transfer is being proposed for 2023. This funding represents almost 100% of the funding requirement for 2023 put forward by the Council. Once this transfer is complete, further funding opportunities will be available to the Council in 2024 and 2025. Shannon Heritage business includes attractions such as Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, along with Craggaunowen and Knappogue castles.
The contribution made by the Shannon Airport Group to facilitate the transfer was also acknowledged by Government.
Minister Chambers commented:
“I believe the level of support agreed reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the transfer. I have written to the CEO of Clare County Council outlining the funding package that has been agreed. I hope that work is now intensified on the remaining technical details of the transfer with a view to it being successfully effected as soon as possible in advance of the anticipated busy summer period which lies ahead for the tourism industry.
"I am confident that the successful transfer of the Shannon Heritage business will help safeguard the strategic importance of these tourism sites to the Clare region, the cultural significance of the sites and the employment that is supported by the Shannon Heritage business.”
Minister Ryan noted:
“I would like to acknowledge the significant work and cooperation between my department, Shannon Airport Group, Clare County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to date to facilitate this transfer. The financial package will enable the transfer to be completed as soon as possible, in time for the Summer season, and will help underpin the significance of the sites from a cultural and local enterprise and employment perspective.”