CLARE Independent TD Michael McNamara has welcomed the news that the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage’s portfolio of visitor attractions in County Clare from Shannon Group plc to Clare County Council is to be brought to Cabinet for approval this afternoon.
“Last summer I went to Clare County Council to propose that the local authority express its interest in taking over Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience having discussed the matter directly with the staff of Shannon Heritage and Shannon Group plc management,” stated Deputy McNamara.
He continued, “I am glad that this proposal is coming to fruition as it will give a new lease of life to these vital heritage tourism assets and to staff who have found themselves in a precarious position over the past 16 months.”
Deputy McNamara added, “I have continuously sought commitments from Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton that a review of the future of Shannon Heritage’s position within Shannon Group would be undertaken and consideration would be given to bringing the Clare attractions under the operational control of Clare County Council.
“This is a good move for the visitor attractions as Clare County Council has, unusually among local authorities, a lot of experience in managing world-class tourism sites. This move will hopefully serve to seek to balance their control of these assets to drive a greater dispersal of revenue and visitor footfall across all of the county, particularly when combined with their plans for Holy Island (Inis Cealtra),” he concluded.
