Shannon Group has confirmed it’s in discussions with Clare County Council to take over the management of heritage sites in this county.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, is bringing forward a memo which would see the business of Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, transferred to the local authority.
For Clare FM, Derrick Lynch reports…
A memo will go before Cabinet this afternoon proposing the change, which would see Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council take over the operational running of the respective heritage sites in each county.
Shannon Group, which encompasses Shannon Heritage has confirmed that it is in discussions with this county’s local authority in relation to the transfer of operations of Kanppgoue Castle, Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
It’s been confirmed that engagement is taking place with employees and those directly affected by the changes and that the employment rights of all its 200 employees will not change and will be fully protected.
Shannon Group says while an agreement in principle has been reached with the council, it will take some months to conclude and is subject to formal consent from the Ministers for Transport, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage.
A spokesperson from the group says that the arrangements announced today will assist Shannon Group to focus on the recovery of the Shannon Airport.
It’s the intention of all parties involved that the transfer will be completed by the end of 2021.
