Tourism staff ‘devastated’ at latest move on attractions popular with Limerick visitors

UNION members working for tourist attractions across Clare are “devastated” by news the council cannot take them over as it stands.

King John’s Castle has transferred from Shannon Heritage to the ownership of Discover Limerick DAC, an arms-length agency of Limerick City and County Council.

It was anticipated a variety of attractions in the Banner County would be managed by Clare County Council, including Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher attraction centre.

However, a report carried out by Clare County Council has put these plans in doubt.

The local authority detailed “significant neglect” of the sites it is to take over, and an urgent need to halt the "deterioration of the assets, and the investment required to achieve this".

It’s on this basis, Pat Dowling, the chief executive of Clare County Council said without more government support, a takeover cannot proceed.

It means the ownership of Bunratty and a host of other attractions north of Limerick will remain with Shannon Heritage, a move criticised by Siptu organiser Rachel Keane, whose members staged a protest outside Bunratty Castle on Friday.

“Our members are devastated. They were keen to transfer to Clare County Council, who had exciting plans for the sites and they were looking forward to a bright future. Instead they are facing uncertainty as they have been advised by Shannon Group that Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will cease to operate on a seven day per week basis from January 8. The public will only be able to access the sites on a four-day per week basis from January 12 until March 1, 2023. No rationale has been given for this latest decision, as the sites have outperformed Shannon Group’s projections in terms of visitor numbers for 2022,” she said, adding the union is seeking a meeting with the body.

Over €1million in funding for six community projects in Limerick

Mr Dowling, a former Limerick council director said following engagement with local members, there is ongoing uncertainty around the legal guarantees and funding in relation to the transfer of all the assets which also include Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park plus the Knappogue Castle and Walled Garden.

He said Clare Council was requested by government to conduct a due diligence process into the transfer last year.

A final report was submitted this year to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Transport in which a funding package to support the upgrading and maintenance of the sites for three years was identified.

"In the comprehensive independent report submitted to government, Clare County Council detailed significant neglect of the sites, the urgent need to halt the deterioration of the assets and the investment required to achieve this. The local authority also outlined its vision for overseeing the management, development, and promotion of the Shannon Heritage sites and their incorporation into a portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites throughout Clare," Mr Dowling stated.

A Department of Transport spokesperson stated: "It is considered that the proposed transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and sites in Clare to Clare County Council is the best way to secure the longer-term viability of the business and the interests of Shannon Heritage employees. The department has had regular engagement with relevant government departments, and with the Shannon Airport Group and Clare County Council, in seeking to facilitate the progression of the transfer of the Shannon Heritage sites. Engagement is ongoing across relevant government departments, including the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, with a view to exploring what level of funding might be available in 2023 to support the transfer of the Shannon Heritage sites to the council."

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage added: "Shannon Group continues to engage with Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Cliffs of Moher Retail Outlet. As part of its engagement with Shannon Group, Clare County Council identified a funding gap for which it sought Government assistance to enable it to take over the sites. The funding gap identified by Clare County Council is €15m, the quantum of which may be adjusted downwards partly due to the better than projected performance of visitor numbers to Bunratty Castle in 2022."

They said department officials met Clare council staff in July, where the authority identified the funding gap.