Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept and thank the Deputy for his invitation. I recognise the success of Shannon Heritage in everything it has done to attract tourism to the area mentioned by the Deputy. I would hate the message to go out from this debate that something is wrong or something is afoot. I am sure the Deputy is right when he says that there is a great deal of potential to bring more people to the area in question. He has signalled that this could be achieved with the support of the Government. I will happily let Fáilte Ireland know the context in which this debate has been held and what the Deputy has had to say. He has made a very good case, particularly for the Shannon Heritage owned sites in the mid-west, which he argues are in need of a more attentive custodian or a better promoter.

I would like to point out one or two facts about Shannon Heritage which are relevant to this debate. I recognise that it has been successful. Last year, annual growth of 4% in visitor numbers was recorded across all the attractions operated by the company. Since 2013, visitor numbers have more than doubled across Shannon Heritage's eight daytime visitor attractions and four night entertainment experiences, including the world famous Bunratty medieval banquet. In 2016, the company's activities generated over 253,000 bed nights. I understand the Deputy's plea for a custodian. He has made the case for a possible link between the Departments of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Transport, Tourism and Sport in the promotion of Shannon Heritage. Both Departments have an interest in it. However, it would be a pity not to recognise the success of Shannon Heritage in promoting tourism.

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