The Mayor of Ennis says she doesn’t believe the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council can proceed without direct funding from the Government.
The matter prompted heated exchanges at last evening’s full Council meeting, with elected representatives divided on how to proceed.
The management of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen took centre stage at this week’s monthly meeting.
It follows concerns expressed last week both publicly and privately that Government funding to facilitate the Council taking over the operation of the sites may not be guaranteed.
The local authority is asking for 15 million euro to complete the transfer, with four Government departments involved in ongoing negotiations, along with the Shannon Airport Group.
Council CEO Pat Dowling told elected members that a multi-million euro package from the State to enable the move is still possible, and that the security of employment of staff at the sites is ‘not at stake’.
While Councillor Gerry Flynn’s suggestion has so far been dismissed by many elected members, the Independent representative insists the consideration would not be premature, even with negotiations continuing.
A number of Councillors felt the ask, at this point in negotiations, is ‘unfair’, with representatives having previously been given a briefing on the significant impact the move would have on overall Council finances.
An Ennis Councillor feels that without the Government coughing up the required sum, the transfer of the sites to the care of the local authority shouldn’t proceed at all.
Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District and Fianna Fail Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy wants her party leader, the Taoiseach, to get moving on the issue.
Listen back to the full interview here:
Negotiations between the Government, Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Group are continuing.
