Clare County Council and The Shannon Airport Group have signed a historic agreement marking the official handover of the Clare assets of Shannon Heritage to the local authority.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience will now be managed, developed and promoted by Clare County Council as part of its existing portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites.
The existing Shannon Heritage DAC, including 90 permanent staff, is also being transferred as a subsidiary company of Clare County Council.
Pen has been put to paper on the grounds of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this morning to facilitate the transfer of management of the county’s Shannon Heritage sites to the portfolio of the local authority.
In the summer of 2020, following a financially challenging tourist season curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions, Shannon Group approached the government for funding in the hopes of keeping doors open at the sites for the Winter months.
However, shortfalls forced the iconic Midwest attractions into temporary closure between January & April of 2021 leaving the livelihoods of scores of employees hanging in the balance.
In June that year, Shannon Group and Clare County Council reached an agreement in principle to facilitate the takeover of the sites by the local authority, pending formal consent from the Department of Transport.
Following two years of negotiations between relevant stakeholders, a €2.5 million government funding package was turned down by the Council late last year, as it fell far below the sum of €15m identified in the local authority’s due diligence report.
Last month, following a revised departmental offer, Councillors unanimously approved a new deal consisting of an upfront payment of €6million this year, with the promise of further funding commitments from the Office of Public Works in 2024 & 2025.
This would finally see Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen and the Cliffs of Moher Gift Shop come under the stewardship of the Local Authority.
Welcoming today’s signing of the contracts, CEO of Clare County Council Pat Dowling says all Shannon Heritage staff can be assured they will be play a vital role in the future of Clare’s tourism offering.
Also in attendance was the Mayor Of Clare , Tony O’Brien, who believes the guidance of the Local Authority will propel the tourism offering across the county to new heights.
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The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD and the Minister of State for Transport, Jack Chambers TD today welcomed the transfer of Shannon Heritage from The Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council.
The necessary consents to enable the transfer have been provided by Minister Ryan and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Pascal Donohoe TD.
Speaking today, Minister Ryan said: “I am delighted that the transfer of Shannon Heritage from the Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council is now complete. Not only does this transfer offer security for the future of the business and heritage sites, it is also especially important in providing continuity of employment for the staff of Shannon Heritage.”
Minister of State Jack Chambers said: “This agreement is the culmination of extensive effort and engagement from both Shannon Airport Group and Clare County Council, and I would like to thank them for the sustained commitment they have shown to reach this point. These sites are of huge cultural value, and I believe the transfer will ensure their continued access by the community and wider public.”
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD also welcomed the news, stating “the transfer of Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council is a positive move for all concerned. I believe Clare County Council will fully realise the great potential these sites have to complement and augment the tourism offering in Clare, bringing more visitors to Clare and the wider region.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan TD said “Bunratty Castle, a National Monument, will now transfer to Clare County Council. I look forward to the OPW continuing its engagement with the Council in relation to the conservation of the castle, safeguarding it for future generations to come.
