The Minister for Public Expenditure says he believes a funding offer made to Clare County Council to take over the operation of Shannon Heritage sites was “meaningful”.
In early December, the local authority said it can’t proceed with the process at this time, without real and meaningful support from Government.
Clare FM understands, however, that a drastically reduced funding offer was made towards the end of the month
Clare County Council submitted a final report last July to the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Transport outlining a funding package required to support the upgrading and maintenance of the sites for three years.
It says it needs 15 million euro to add Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen to its portfolio, but Clare FM understands that a drastically reduced funding offer was made to the local authority in late December.
Ahead of that, the Department of Housing & Local Government said the funding gap identified by Clare County Council may be adjusted downwards’, due to ‘better than projected performance of visitor numbers to Bunratty last year.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and reform says he recognises that it’s a considerable commitment on take on board.
Paschal Donohoe’s told Clare FM he understands why the Council wants to be confident it can meet the commitment, without undermining its ability to provide other important local services and facilities.
Minister Donohoe believes the proposal made to the local authority in December was “meaningful”, but accepts that while engagement is ongoing, the matter hasn’t been resolved.
Paschal Donohoe was appointed Public Expenditure Minister in the Cabinet reshuffle just four week ago, but says he’ll work with the Tourism Minister and local representatives in Clare, in an effort to move the process forward.
He’s hopeful these amenities can remain open all year round, but says everyone has a part to play.
Listen to the full interview here:
