Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a major issue. I congratulate the Minister on his appointment as Minister with responsibility for tourism. Deputy O'Donnell and I met officials in the Department today along with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton. The Shannon Group has made a submission to Government for supports to keep these vital heritage sites open. We are talking about Bunratty Castle, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, Dunguaire Castle and King John's Castle. These attractions bring people to County Clare and the mid-west. It is crazy and ridiculous that the Shannon Group would close these sites, especially when we are pushing the whole idea of staycations. There is a major opportunity. We simply need to embrace and support it. I appeal to the Minister to do precisely that.

I also support the need for the Minister to back the recommendations of the aviation task force for Shannon. We should use the stimulus package for route development and support for capital development works. We need to get the airport up and running again.

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