Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very much a case of déjà vu or Groundhog Day, call it what one likes. Once again, the management of Shannon Group is saying that, due to the downturn in international tourism and ongoing loss-making, it will be forced to close iconic sites such as Bunratty Castle and King John's Castle from January onwards, and that these sites will remain closed until the start of the summer season. Bunratty Castle dates back to the 15th century and King John's Castle to the 13th century. The combined Shannon Heritage sites in the mid-west employ some 350 employees, with 145 of these working on a 12-month, all-year-round basis. They are of strategic importance in the mid-west region and both sites enjoyed a bumper season of domestic tourism this summer. If we close them, what chance are we giving our region? If we close them, we cause immeasurable damage to the supply chains of the hotels, restaurants and bars which are already struggling.

The Department proposes to bring forward proposals to Cabinet on how Shannon Heritage sites can be run and managed in the near future. The threat of closure gives added urgency to this, given we do not know what the future holds for Shannon Heritage. We also need to know what will happen at Craggunowen Castle, Dunguaire Castle and Knappogue Castle.

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