Shannon Group and Limerick City and County Council have today announced that they have signed an agreement to transfer the operation and management of King John’s Castle to the Council.
Speaking today, Minister Ryan said, “King John’s Castle is a well-known and loved historical landmark within Limerick and is an important part of the city and the wider region’s tourism offering. This transfer will safeguard the valuable contribution the Castle makes to the local economy and region and will provide continuity of employment for the 14 staff who will transfer with the business. The transfer will also allow Shannon Group to focus on the continued recovery of Shannon Airport, which is particularly important given the economic contribution it makes to the whole Midwest region.”
Minister Naughton said “I am delighted that Shannon Group and Limerick City and County Council have reached agreement on the transfer of King John’s Castle. Its transfer to the Council is an opportunity to fully realise its potential as an integral element of Limerick’s tourism offering, as outlined in the Limerick Tourism Development Strategy Action Plan 2019-2023. I would like to acknowledge the extensive effort and preparation that Shannon Group and the Council have engaged in, resulting in the successful transfer of the Castle”.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister O’ Brien also welcomed the agreement, stating “I welcome the transfer of King John’s Castle to Discover Limerick and wish those involved well with the initiative. The expansion of local authorities into new and dynamic roles such as economic development and tourism promotion has been beneficial as we emerge from the Covid emergency. By taking over the operation of this landmark site in Limerick, the council continues to lead the regeneration of Limerick City and this initiative will help safeguard the future of the castle itself and the employment it supports”.
The Department of Transport is continuing to engage with Shannon Group and other key stakeholders regarding the proposed transfer of the Shannon Heritage company and its visitor attractions in Co. Clare, including Bunratty Castle, to Clare County Council. Shannon Group also continue to engage with Galway County Council regarding the future operation of Dunguaire Castle.
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Notes to Editor
Shannon Heritage (a subsidiary of Shannon Commercial Properties) is Shannon Group’s tourism offering. It has a commercial mandate to manage a portfolio of tourism and heritage attractions in the Mid-West Region. King John’s Castle in Limerick is one of these properties.
In 2021 Government decided Shannon Group could explore the potential to transfer the business of key heritage sites to the relevant local authorities. This was seen as the most appropriate way to safeguard the future of the heritage business and properties.
Shannon Group has since engaged with the relevant local authorities, and as a result of engagement with Limerick City and County Council, agreed a transfer date of 4 April for King John’s Castle.
Discover Limerick is a designated activity company wholly owned by Limerick City and County Council. Discover Limerick will acquire the entire of the business, assets and undertaking known as King John’s Castle and Visitor Centre.
Shannon Group continue to engage with Clare County Council on the transfer of heritage sites in Clare, including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castles, to the Council.