Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I thank Deputy Harty for raising this important matter. I understood Shannon Heritage was flourishing and I believe it is flourishing. From what Deputy Harty is saying, I understand it needs more support, not only to be the custodian of the portfolio he has so eloquently described but also to develop and encourage more tourism and ensure greater numbers of tourists.

In line with its tourism development remit, Fáilte Ireland is responsible for developing and promoting the tourism potential of the various counties and regions of the country. It does this primarily in line with the relevant tourism experience brands, which provide the overarching context for related marketing, enterprise supports and tourism product development.

Having just debated another issue with me during Priority Questions, the Deputy is probably a little bit tired of me saying somebody else is responsible for what he feels I should be able to do. We have deliberately put in place State agencies to keep me and other Ministers semi-detached from the power to give grants and supports so they may be given in a way that cannot be interpreted as politically motivated. What I have to say does not mean there is disinterest on my part in setting policy, which I do, but it is qualified by the fact that my unwillingness to identify and give direct support to a project is because political motivation might be suspect and I might be thought to be yielding to pressure from the Deputy in doing so. God forbid that would ever happen.

The Deputy will also be aware that Shannon Heritage, one of the companies owned by Shannon Group, is also heavily involved in the operation of tourist attractions at Bunratty and in the surrounding region. Such attractions provide reasons for visitors to come to these parts of Ireland and for the Irish public to enjoy their own important sites and attractions. Accordingly, Shannon Heritage's ability to attract visitors to the region is an important driver for the tourism sector, which, as we all know, is a key employer in our rural economies. We are all indebted to Shannon Heritage for its contribution to Irish tourism and its enthusiasm and ability to attract visitors. Since Shannon Group's establishment in 2014 as a commercial State body, I understand it has undertaken a significant restructuring of the Shannon Heritage company, invested some €5 million in improving assets and heritage attractions, and managed to double visitor numbers over the same period. It is a good story.

I understand Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is Shannon Heritage's anchor attraction. Since 2014, I am informed that the company has invested around €2.5 million in upgrading the facilities at this site and has just commenced the planning phase for a major upgrade of the park, on which it has been liaising with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. In this regard, I am pleased to note that Fáilte Ireland awarded a stage one development grant of €200,000 for this project under its large grants scheme — for technical assistance support.

I understand that, in 2019, Shannon Heritage plans to continue to invest further in the heritage assets operated by the company, building on the work undertaken in previous years addressing the historical underinvestment prior to 2014. I am pleased to learn that the company is working closely in partnership with Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland — particularly with the visitor attraction teams working on the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East — in addition to the local authorities, to enable further growth to visitor numbers to the mid-west. I welcome the fact that Shannon Heritage is also collaborating with Clare County Council on its new tourism strategy. It is the first time a local authority has partnered with another State company to create a tourism strategy, one which is focused on the dispersion of visitors around Clare to benefit all areas. Working with all these partners, I am informed that Shannon Heritage's vision for the future is to be recognised as Ireland's leading operator and developer of tourist attractions, attracting 1 million more visitors annually by 2025.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I accept and thank the Deputy for his invitation. I recognise the success of Shannon Heritage in everything it has done to attract tourism to the area mentioned by the Deputy. I would hate the message to go out from this debate that something is wrong or something is afoot. I am sure the Deputy is right when he says that there is a great deal of potential to bring more people to the area in question. He has signalled that this could be achieved with the support of the Government. I will happily let Fáilte Ireland know the context in which this debate has been held and what the Deputy has had to say. He has made a very good case, particularly for the Shannon Heritage owned sites in the mid-west, which he argues are in need of a more attentive custodian or a better promoter.

I would like to point out one or two facts about Shannon Heritage which are relevant to this debate. I recognise that it has been successful. Last year, annual growth of 4% in visitor numbers was recorded across all the attractions operated by the company. Since 2013, visitor numbers have more than doubled across Shannon Heritage's eight daytime visitor attractions and four night entertainment experiences, including the world famous Bunratty medieval banquet. In 2016, the company's activities generated over 253,000 bed nights. I understand the Deputy's plea for a custodian. He has made the case for a possible link between the Departments of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Transport, Tourism and Sport in the promotion of Shannon Heritage. Both Departments have an interest in it. However, it would be a pity not to recognise the success of Shannon Heritage in promoting tourism.