Ms Mary Considine:

I thank the Deputy. To clarify, we have sought subventions for Shannon Heritage to cover the operating losses that will be incurred over the winter and up to next summer. Unfortunately, we are not confident that international travellers will return next summer in the same numbers as before, so losses are likely to continue. We are in dialogue with officials in that regard. As outlined in my submission, despite several intensive marketing initiatives and national coverage for the opening of Bunratty Castle and King John's Castle in Limerick, visitor numbers have not picked up to any great degree. Visitor numbers and revenue are still down by more than 70% at Bunratty Castle. They are down by 86% at King John's Castle. In respect of the latter, it is really disappointing to note that the domestic market has fallen since last year. It is approximately 40% of what it was in 2019. As the committee will be aware, more than 70% of our market is international and it is very difficult to make up for that. In this business, we traditionally make money in summer and lose it in winter. We lost money as the pandemic began and incurred significant losses as it progressed. We expect that to continue this winter.