Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his comprehensive introduction to the topic, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport. As advised by the Minister in February, the Government recognises that Shannon Heritage and its heritage sites are of significant importance not just to the mid-west region but also to Ireland's tourism offering and our historic, built heritage. Since the previous update, King John's Castle successfully transferred to Limerick City and County Council on 4 April 2022. I would like to acknowledge the extensive effort and preparation that Shannon Group and the council engaged in to bring this about.

I am also happy to provide a further update to the House today on the transfer of the Clare heritage site to which the Senator referred. Shannon Group continues to engage with Clare County Council regarding the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and key sites. Department of Transport officials also met with Clare County Council officials last week and were provided with an update on the due diligence process under way in the council and the work that remains to be done. Shannon Group considers that the transfer of Shannon Heritage business and the Clare sites is the best way to secure the longer-term viability of the business and the interests of Shannon Heritage employees. It will also maintain the intrinsic heritage value of the sites in the mid-west for current and future generations. The transfer also fits in well with the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 and the considerable experience that Clare County Council has in operating its existing visitor attractions. Once the necessary due diligence work is complete for the sites, and final business transfer agreements signed, Shannon Group will seek the formal consent of the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to execute the transfer of the business and the relevant heritage sites. This will also be done with the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Department of Transport has been engaging bilaterally with other Departments on the matter of the transfer. The Department recently established an interdepartmental working group, which I believe is the most appropriate way to now progress the matter effectively, consider the funding requirements and bring this matter to a successful conclusion. Representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform and Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, and the OPW have been invited to participate in this group. The OPW has agreed to re-engage on its maintenance responsibilities in the conservation and maintenance role of Bunratty Castle and King John’s Castle. In preparation for undertaking this role, the OPW has been carrying out necessary assessments of both buildings to inform the programme of works needed and the associated costs. The Department of Transport is continuing to engage with the OPW in this regard. Before any transfer is executed, it remains the responsibility of Shannon Group to operate and manage the Shannon Heritage business in line with its commercial mandate and fiduciary best practice and with awareness of the group’s accountability for the proper management of the company. While Shannon Group was due to close Bunratty Castle and King John’s Castle in September 2021 for the winter season, the continuation of Government supports meant that the sites could remain open, although with reduced opening hours. I understand that the castles are fully reopened for the summer season, which is welcome.

Despite the ongoing impact of Covid-19, I am happy to inform the Senator that there were some positive developments last year. Almost 500,000 people visited the Shannon Heritage sites in 2021 representing a 64.2% increase on the 2020 visitor numbers. The recent resumption of transatlantic flights at Shannon Airport also presents an opportunity to welcome back international tourists to the sites over the coming months, which is most welcome. I am confident that this represents a turning point, and that we will see a further increase in international visitors this year, which will be welcomed as a positive development, no doubt by the Senator as well.