Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am reassured by the commitment but it needs to be backed up with subvention. Clare County Council wants to fulfil the wishes of Government and is fully engaged and committed to this. When it carried out due diligence, it revealed structural damage like cottage roofs falling in and the castle roof in poor repair, as well as umpteen things across the grounds of the folk park that could probably be deemed unsafe for people to go into. It is the same in Craggaunowen and Knappogue, where the beautiful walled gardens were not maintained and no longer exist. I recognise and appreciate the Minister of State's commitment but we also need a commitment in terms of funding. We are not sure what line Ministry that is coming from.

I am concerned for the 140 full-time workers. The supply chain is colossal. Things have been run into the ground and due diligence has thrown up many issues. We need to know where the funding is coming from and when it is coming in order that the May takeover and the summer season can both be successful.

See this speech in context