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

On behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, I reiterate that the Government recognises the importance of Shannon Heritage to the mid-west region. During the Covid-19 pandemic the Government showed its commitment to Shannon Heritage through the provision of supports, allowing the sites to remain open when restrictions permitted. Even with these supports, the impact of Covid-19 has been enormously challenging for Shannon Heritage, but I am advised that since the easing of public health restrictions, the increase in the number of visitors to heritage sites has been considerable. Almost 500,000 visitors visited Shannon Heritage sites in 2021, up from just over 300,000 in 2020. Although the sites were closed due to public health restrictions in the early months of 2021, these visitor numbers show a strong performance once restrictions were lifted.

This increase in visitor numbers will, hopefully, continue into 2022, particularly in light of the removal of all public health restrictions. There are welcome developments also in international travel with the increase in transatlantic flights. Given these positive signs we are hopeful that in 2022 the tourism and heritage sectors can begin to recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

As I mentioned, an interdepartmental working group has now been established to consider the funding requirements identified by Clare County Council and this work is ongoing. I understand this group will now meet regularly with a view to progressing the transfer of Shannon Heritage businesses and sites to Clare County Council as planned.

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