Clare’s Independent TD says important details still need to be ironed out in relation to the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council.
Calls are being made for a government commitment to short-term funding for the sites and for the council to stipulate that future coach contracts to tourist attraction would require an overnight stay in the county.
Yesterday’s announcement that a provisional deal had been struck between Shannon Group and the local authority in relation to the takeover of Shannon Heritage sites in the county has been broadly welcomed by both businesses and local representatives.
The agreement will see Clare County Council take over the management of Knappogue Castle, Cragaunowen and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park by the end of the year.
Bunratty publican, Maurice Walshe says businesses in South-East Clare view the move as bringing much needed stability ahead of unchartered waters in the tourism industry over the next two years.
Maurice, who is the General Manager of Durty Nelly’s and also the Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum feels that Shannon Group’s large portfolio may have had an impact on tourism levels at Shannon Heritage sites suffering.
Clare’s Independent TD is acknowledging the latest agreement as a positive move for the development of the tourism industry in the Banner, but insists a number of significant details still need to be confirmed.
Scariff’s Michael McNamara says questions remain over the planned investment in Bunratty Castle, which was due to be co-funded by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Group.
Deputy McNamara believes the financial difficulties facing the Council as a result of the pandemic leave them in a position where they would be unable to provide the level of investment needed for Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Independent representative Michael McNamara is calling for the government to provide short-term funding as a stop-gap measure.
Meanwhile, a Clare government representative believes the transfer of management of Shannon Heritage Sites from Shannon Group to the local authority will provide this county with the means to rival if not surpass the tourist attractions of Kerry.
Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe believes Clare County Council should create a condtion in future contracts with coach operators that would involve overnight trips to this county’s tourist attractions.
The Meelick Deputy says we need to reverse the trend of coaches coming on day trips from Dublin, without benefitting the wider Clare economy.
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