Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2011
66 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No.100 of 5 April 2011, he will make provision for Ilnacullin-Garinish Island to be opened to the public and tourists for the month of March 2012 to provide for the Easter tourist trade, to improve employment prospects in the tourist sector in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarinish Island is planned to open to visitors on the 1st of April, 2012 and will remain open until the end of September — Easter Weekend in 2012 is 7/8 April. When Easter falls in March the Island always opens to coincide with this. The experience of OPW is that there are not sufficient visitors in March to justify the costs of rostering staff for this month. The gardening staff at the Island do facilitate visits outside of the main Guided Service period, and are available to facilitate booked coach tours in March 2012, should such bookings be confirmed. The Café franchise coincides with the 1 April to end September period. It is the intention of OPW to continue to operate these opening and closing dates over the next number of years, subject to resources being made available.
