An east Galway TD is urging the new Tourism Minister Catherine Martin to engage with the Shannon Group without delay to get Dunguaire Castle reopened.
Deputy Ciaran Cannon has said that there is a very short window of opportunity to ensure that the 2020 season delivers some revenue for the local tourism sector while also getting people from Kinvara, who work in the castle, back into employment.
He said; “The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our country’s most critically important sections of natural tourism infrastructure and since the news of the absurd decision of the Shannon Heritage Group to close Dunguaire Castle while reopening Bunratty and King John’s Castles, I have repeatedly called for the group to rectify the situation.
“There is a very short window of opportunity in which to do this but every effort must be made to ensure that what there is of the visitor season for 2020 can deliver on some revenue for the local tourism sector while also getting people from Kinvara and the surrounding district, who work in the castle, back into employment.
“I have therefore written to the new Tourism Minister Catherine Martin in order to ensure the Minister is made aware of this situation immediately upon taking office and to ensure that there is engagement without delay between the Minister’s office and the Shannon Group.
“Our new boardwalk for Kinvara will add greatly to the visitor experience when in place and will be a wonderful new amenity for visitors along this section of the Wild Atlantic Way to access Dunguaire Castle.
“This is a very forward-thinking project and we both need and deserve support in promoting south Galway’s vibrant tourism offering.”
