Shock over decision to 'outsource' jobs at Clare tourist attractions

SIPTU members working with Shannon Heritage DAC have expressed their shock at the decision of Clare County Council to outsource food and beverage and retail jobs at a number of tourist attractions in Clare.

The local authority has confirmed it will be appointing two specialist retail, food and beverage operators for its newly acquired visitor attractions which include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castle.

"This restructuring follows the tried and tested business model at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, where specialist retail and food operators are already in place. Two tender processes for retail and the provision of catering services, including banqueting food preparation and food and beverage operations, will commence in December 2023 at the Shannon Heritage sites," said a spokesperson for the local authority.

It is anticipated that the successful companies will commence operating in May 2024.

Clare County Council says a key requirement of the operating conditions will be that all future service providers must support local suppliers and producers in Clare.

"All 66 employees, including 31 Full Time and 35 Part Time workers, will be transferred to the new operators in April 2024. Staff pay and conditions are protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, also known as TUPE," added the spokesperson.

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Reacting to this Tuesday's announcement, Rachel Keane, SIPTU industrial organiser, said its members are absolutely shocked.

"These workers were looking forward to a secure future with the backing of Clare County Council following the transfer from Shannon Group earlier this year. The food and beverage, and retail departments are an integral part of the offering to visitors at these sites, which in turn are vital to Irish tourism.

"These workers are hugely concerned about their futures. We have arranged to meet with all of our members and will discuss strategies to ensure these jobs remain in house."

Caroline O’Sullivan, chairperson of the SIPTU Shannon Heritage committee, said: "All of our members were thrilled when Clare County Council finally took over these sites. We looked forward to growing tourism in the region and protecting these iconic places for future generations.

"We did not foresee that Clare County Council was going to pick through and discard essential parts of the service without considering how interlinked they are. Many staff members currently working in food and beverage also work as animators, a role that is not under threat of outsourcing."

Teresa Hannick, SIPTU divisional organiser, added: "We have informed management that we will not support the outsourcing of these jobs. Our members' jobs must remain in house where they belong."