Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the Shannon Heritage employees to whom I spoke today said, "We want to work". The employees are hungry to work and everything should be done to save jobs and keep the heritage sites in the mid-west open. I want to know whether the Government will offer a continuance of the supports it made available to Shannon Group and Shannon Heritage last August. The Minister's response suggests that this mechanism may be open once again and I ask that he offer clarity in this regard. In addition, will the Government consider applying to the EU for a damages schemes for the heritage sector in order that specific ring-fenced supports may be put in place for the likes of King John's Castle in Limerick city and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare? Furthermore, I ask that the Minister look at ways of funding the considerable obligations Shannon Group has in maintaining old castle buildings at a high annual cost. Shannon Group has advanced plans for a major capital project for Bunratty Castle and Folk Park costing €40 million. The hope is that State supports from Fáilte Ireland to the tune of approximately 75% of the cost will get the project over the line. I hope the Minister and the Government will do everything possible to ensure it can be delivered.

I conclude by saying that there will be life after Covid. The country is about to turn a corner. Vaccines are imminent and the economy has been supported throughout the past few months. In the meantime, when Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John's Castle and all the people working there and in the supply chain need our support more than ever, I ask the Government to have their back.

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