Clare County Council to manage iconic visitor attractions in 'historic agreement'

IT'S THE 'start of a new era' as Clare County Council and The Shannon Airport Group sign off on a 'historic agreement' marking the official handover of popular tourist sites to the local authority.

This Monday, the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience will now be managed, developed and promoted by Clare County Council as part of its existing portfolio of signature visitor attractions and sites, namely the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Vandeleur Walled Gardens, and the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience.

The existing Shannon Heritage DAC, including 90 permanent staff, has also been transferred as a subsidiary company of Clare County Council.

Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, described the transfer of the sites as a “milestone moment for Clare tourism as, for the first time, Clare’s most popular tourist attractions will all be managed by one single authority.”

"The road to securing this transfer has been long but will prove to have been worth it for both tourism in the county and the local economy,” added Cllr O’Brien.

"Clare County Council’s proven track record of delivering for Clare tourism is matched by the decades of experience and dedication of Shannon Heritage workers who can now look forward to an exciting new chapter for Clare tourism and a brighter future for these important visitor attractions."

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, "Clare County Council is committed to the future development of the four sites and their integration into a tourism portfolio that boasts some of Ireland’s best known visitor attractions. This transfer allows for the development a broad, ambitious and quality tourism product and brand for County Clare, one that reflects the scope and ambition of the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030."

"I wish to acknowledge the Government for making necessary funding commitments that will enable Clare County Council to undertake the significant remediation works required at the sites," added Mr. Dowling.  

Clare County Council’s Director of Tourism Development Leonard Cleary, stated, "the local authority is committed to working with the key stakeholders including the trustees, workers, tenants, and the wider tourism industry in the hinterland to develop a sustainable future for the assets and for the host communities in which they are located."

He continued, "Clare County Council looks forward to engaging collaboratively with the OPW, Fáilte Ireland and other State agencies to ensure the potential of each of these assets is maximised for the betterment of tourism in County Clare and the wider Mid-West Region."