Shannon Heritage workers have expressed hope that Council expertise will help drive the tourism product into the future.
Councillors have voted unanimously to support the transfer of the sites and associated Clare Tourism sites from Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council.
At a special meeting of Clare County Council last evening, Councillors met to discuss and vote on a proposed Government funding package aimed at facilitating the transfer of the management of Shannon Heritage sites to the local authority.
The package received unanimous backing, though some concerns were raised over the the fact that the Shannon Airport Group will be holding on to approximately 130 acres of land in Bunratty.
The Council CEO says the official transfer of staff and visitor attractions will now take place shortly, after ongoing discussions between the Council, Shannon Airport Group and Department of Transport officials concludes.
Pat Dowling says the transfer is as much about protecting the heritage of the county as it is about highlighting key tourism sites and this is a key component of the council’s plans.
Shannon Heritage workers spokesperson Caroline O’Sullivan says that the next step is to ensure that people with expertise in the sector are brought on board.
Meanwhile Independent county councillor Gerry Flynn expressed concern that Shannon Airport Group will be holding on to a parcel of land in Bunratty.
