Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Naughton, I welcome the opportunity to update the House on this topic.

As Members may be aware, Shannon Group informed the Department in summer 2020 that it was necessary to consider a comprehensive and radical adjustment to its structure to secure the long-term future of the business and its employees. A number of challenges had arisen, including the lack of expertise in maintaining the sites in the group, the capital investment required to maintain the heritage sites and the impact of the onset of Covid-19.Since the previous update given by the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to the House on the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites, King John's Castle successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April. Shannon Group and the council worked together with extensive preparation to ensure the successful transfer of the castle, and the Minister of State wishes to acknowledge this effort today.

The Shannon Heritage business of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the Cliffs of Moher retail outlet remain to transfer to Clare County Council. I will provide an update on the progress of this transfer. Shannon Group is continuing to engage with Clare County Council on the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and key sites. Officials in the Department of Transport met Clare County Council on 5 May and were provided with an update on the preparations for the transfer, in particular on the due diligence process under way in the council. The departmental officials met the council again last week to further discuss the work that remains to be done for the transfer to progress. As part of the due diligence process, the council identified a number of issues, including issues with funding both in the short term and in the long term to ensure the sustainability of the business.

The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, has advised that she believes the most appropriate way to consider these funding requirements and to bring this matter to a successful conclusion is through the establishment of an interdepartmental working group comprising key stakeholders. The Department of Transport had previously engaged bilaterally with other Departments on the matter of the transfer. By bringing the relevant Departments and other stakeholders together through this group, the Department aims to comprehensively address the issues remaining for the successful transfer of the business and sites. Representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the OPW and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have been invited to participate in this group. The group held its first meeting on 19 May and will meet again shortly. The agreement of the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be required to execute the transfer of the business and sites to the council. The Department of Transport is engaging with both Departments in this regard.

The Minister of State has also advised that she is continuing to engage with the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the conservation of Bunratty Castle. As the castle is a national monument, the OPW has responsibilities relating to its conservation and maintenance. In preparation for undertaking this role, the OPW has been carrying out the necessary assessment of the castle to inform the programme of works needed and the associated costs.

While all parties are working towards a successful transfer of the business and sites, until the transfer takes place it remains the responsibility of Shannon Group to operate and manage the Shannon Heritage business. This must be carried out in line with its commercial mandate, fiduciary best practice and with awareness of the group's accountability for the proper management of the company. Shannon Group had made the decision to close Bunratty Castle in September 2021 for the winter season. However, the extension of the employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, enabled the site to remain open, although with reduced opening hours. The castle is now fully reopened for the summer season, which is welcome.

As previously outlined to the House, Covid-19 had a huge impact on all tourism and heritage sites from its onset in early 2020. However, there are grounds for optimism, including a welcome increase in visitor numbers, and we are hopeful that numbers will continue to increase significantly as 2022 progresses. I assure the Deputy that this Government will continue to support Shannon Group to ensure that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will proceed as planned.

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