Shannon Heritage Jobs Will Be Saved Despite Funding Reduction – Crowe

Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD has insisted that the jobs of Shannon Heritage workers will still be saved, despite a reduction in Government funding that was promised to the group.

While the government had initially promised 2.6 million euro to keep Bunratty and King John’s Castles open, this has been reduced to around 550 thousand euro following further discussions.

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Last August, local Government representatives publicly welcomed the announcement of 2.6 million euro in funding to keep Bunratty and King John’s Castles open.

The amount was sought by Shannon Group in an effort to keep heritage sites open year round and Clare FM understands that Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath gave local politicians direct assurances that this sum had been approved.

But now, following what it has described as “further engagement,” the Department has confirmed that the necessary funding required is in the region of 550 thousand euro, which is more than two million short of what was requested.

The money will still enable the sites to remain open until the end of the year, keeping 52 workers in place, and the Department insists that the Minister is committed to ensuring both sites receive the appropriate supports.

Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe explains why the funding allocation was slashed.

But Clare’s Sinn Féin TD believes the discrepancy is a reflection of the “chaos” within Government since it’s formation.

Violet-Anne Wynne says the confusion is impacting heavily on workers, who still lack clarity on how their jobs will be affected in the new year.

Separately, the Department of Public Expenditure has confirmed that it has received and is assessing a review of Shannon Group structures by NewEra.

A memo on the matter is due to go to government shortly, in a process that could lead to an overhaul of Shannon Group’s structures.