The Mayor of Clare says the devil will be in the detail of the proposed Government funding package aimed at facilitating the transfer of the management of the county’s Shannon Heritage sites to the local authority.
Cabinet yesterday approved an upfront payment of 6 million euro this year for the takeover of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue, with a committment from the OPW to continue funding over the next three years.
Clare County Council yesterday received a financial support package from Government to facilitate the transfer of the Clare assets of Shannon Heritage from the Shannon Airport Group to the Local Authority.
The multi-annual support package will this afternoon be discussed by the Council executive and Councillors, while discussions between the local authority, Shannon Airport Group and Department officials will remain ongoing over the coming days.
The announcment follows more than two years of negotiations between relevant stakeholders, with the local authority having turned down a 2.5 million euro offer in December last, saying it wasn’t sufficient.
Scariff Independent TD Michael McNamara, who first proposed the move in 2020, says the Council’s experience in managing other tourism sites such as Loop Head Light house, the Cliffs of Moher and Vandaleur Gardens puts it in a good position when it comes to managing the sites.
The Mayor of Clare believes that what’s on the table is an appreciable offer, which if accepted will allow the local authority to push ahead with improvements to the standard of facilities at the sites.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Killaloe Councillor Tony O’Brien says while he’s disappointed the process has taken so long, today is a day of optimism.
The Fianna Fáil Councillor insists it’s vital that the implications of accepting the offer is fully considered so that the provision of existing services aren’t affected.
You can listen to the interview below.
