Up to 100 workers associated with Shannon Heritage sites held a protest in Shannon today.
The protest was organised by both SIPTU and the workers to express their anger at Shannon Groups decision to keep a number of visitor centres closed and the threat of closing a number of other sites at the end of August.
Shannon Group manages sites such as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John's Castle in Limerick. Both sites could close by the end of August.
A number of other sites managed by Shannon Group, Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara and Cregganowen in County Clare have remained closed this summer.
Shannon Group have stated that Covid-19 has had a catastrophic impact on overseas visitor numbers which these centres heavily rely on.
The group say that the anticipated domestic visitor numbers would not be sufficient to compensate for the loss of international tourists.
Local councillors and T.D's from the mid west region attended today's protest.
Delores Broderick of SIPTU said that it made no sense to have these centres closed this year especially with the increased focus on domestic tourism due to the pandemic.
Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Shannon Heritage said that the decision to keep some of these centres closed has had a huge impact locally.
She said that many people depend on these centres for employment but are now facing an uncertain future.
Local Fianna Fáíl T.D Cathal Crowe said that Shannon Group had made a submission seeking up to €4 million in financial assistance from the Government to keep some of the centres operational.
Mr. Crowe added that the submission is currently being assessed by various bodies to chart a way forward for the business and the workers.
A Shannon Group spokesperson said, "visitor numbers to Shannon Heritage's sites have been devastated by the Covid-19 Pandemic and have seen little sign of recovery in recent weeks.
"In this period, we have availed of all possible supports, including the wage subsidy scheme, to support our employees.
"We will continue to avail of this scheme and we have sought an additional support package from Government to cover the cost of keeping sites open.
