Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As always, the Minister of State is welcome.

This issue has been ongoing since the Shannon Airport Authority decided that it no longer had a strategic interest in Shannon Heritage. The questions then were what would happen to Shannon Heritage's facilities and under whose auspices would they be. King John's Castle has been transferred to Limerick City and County Council, which is a good fit.

In Clare, Shannon Heritage essentially comprises the Bunratty, Craggaunowen and Knappogue facilities, which have been visited by millions upon millions of tourists down the years. Sadly, Shannon Group's capital investment in the castles and various facilities that form part of Shannon Heritage's offering in County Clare has been practically non-existent over the past decade, if not longer. The facilities have depreciated, not just in monetary value, but in their value as tourism offerings. This is a great pity because we all remember visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park when we were children. Many also remember visiting Knappogue and Craggaunowen. These facilities should never have been allowed to deteriorate to their current level.

Clare County Council has stepped up to the plate and stated that it is interested in taking over and running the facilities in the same professional manner that it runs other facilities, for example, the Vandeleur walled garden in Kilrush and the Cliffs of Moher Experience in north Clare, but why should ratepayers and Clare County Council have to suffer financial loss for doing the right thing? It is accepted by all parties that the council is the right body to take over and develop these facilities. Ideally, the Office of Public Works, OPW, should be doing this. Given the council's tourism experience, though, this is a good fit and will complement the other attractions that the council is running successfully.

Some €15 million over three years is required, but that will only be the start of it. I understand that due diligence is still under way. This investment is necessary so that ratepayers and the council do not take a financial hit. We cannot compromise critical services that the local authority provides, for example, housing. If the council is expected to take over the facilities – it is happy to do so – then the Government needs to step up to the plate and provide the necessary financial resources to make this happen, allow it to be successful in the short term and make it sustainable into the future.

Some 150 people are working in the facilities. They deserve clarity, and only the Government can provide that clarity.The Government will be required to write the cheque to make it viable in the short term and sustainable into the future. I await the response of the Minister of State.