Shannon Chamber welcomes the announcement that the elected members of Clare County Council have sanctioned their approval for the transfer of Shannon Heritage visitor attractions in Co. Clare to the local authority.

Congratulating all parties involved in finalising the transfer agreement, Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “Shannon Chamber has continuously lobbied Government to enable a successful transition of the Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council. As a chamber representing over 330 members extending to 19,500 employees in the region, we have expressed to Government and the region’s elected representatives the pivotal role the heritage sites play in the economy of the Mid-West region, in attracting tourists to the area and in driving passenger traffic through Shannon Airport.

“The approval of funding to enable their transition to the Council is most welcome as these sites could not be neglected at a time when there has never been a greater need to develop all our resources for economic development, especially in the West of Ireland.

“We look forward to the seamless transfer of Shannon Heritage staff, and the heritage sites, to Clare County Council, with the formal consent of the Minister.

“We thank The Shannon Airport Group for their stewardship of these valuable assets, and the highly successful marketing of these sites since their transfer from Shannon Development. We wish Clare Council every success in their new role as guardians of such highly important national heritage sites.”