SIPTU members employed in Shannon Heritage sites in county Clare have welcomed the conclusion this week of an agreement which will see management of their facilities taken over by the local authority. The facilities transferred to the control of Clare County Council are Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. SIPTU Organiser, Rachel Keane, said: “This is a landmark agreement for the SIPTU members employed in these sites. Its conclusion has followed a campaign by our members, which began in March 2020, to have these sites placed under local authority control in order to secure their future and the employment they provide.” She added: “The main issue blocking the transfer was funding. However, a revised offer of €6 million from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage allowed Clare county councillors to approve the transfer at a meeting last month. The final hurdle was the resolution of last-minute legal issues, which were resolved over the past week.” SIPTU Shannon Heritage Committee Chairperson, Caroline O’Sullivan, said: “Our members are thrilled. It was a long time coming but the members are now celebrating. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Clare County Council to grow tourism in the region and protect these iconic heritage sites for future generations.” Shannon Group has further confirmed that members working at Dunguaire Caste in county Galway will transfer to the employment of Shannon Commercial Enterprises DAC, a subsidiary company of the Shannon Airport Group. This transfer is due to commence on 11th June, 2023. Discussions with Galway County Council in relation to the long term operation of the Castle have not yet concluded.
SIPTU welcomes transfer of Shannon Heritage sites in county Clare to local authority control
