Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
103 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent report carried out on behalf of his Department into certain subsidised ferry services to the islands; if, in view of the report’s findings, the subsidies for these vital ferry services will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/04]
View answer107 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the report received by his Department conducted by persons (details supplied) on subsidies made available to air and ferry services to the islands. [11813/04]
View answer114 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the changes his Department will make to the services offered by island ferry operators, particularly in offering a day return service to islanders; the measures to ensure that ferries and ports are accessible to the disabled and to introduce a separate freight service for the islands as recommended in a recent report commissioned by his Department. [11927/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 107 and 114 together.
The report commissioned from Malachy Walsh and Partners on island transport services was recently completed and presented to my Department. I have now commenced a consultation process with the relevant interests on the islands which were the subject of the report by inviting them to submit observations on the final report by 7 May 2004. On receipt of these observations, I will be in a position to consider further the recommendations of the report. While I do not wish to prejudice this ongoing consultation process, I am pleased with its key findings which confirm the importance of subsidised transport services to the islands. Specifically, the findings are that: ferry services are the lifeblood of the islands and that their need has been confirmed from a socio-economic perspective, the availability of a regular and guaranteed service provides a lifeline service improving the quality of life for islanders, reducing relative remoteness and allowing island populations remain together and to sustain the community identity; the availability of a ferry service also fosters a vibrant tourism industry which contributes to local economic well-being, and to an enhanced awareness and positive appreciation of local traditions, way of life and cultural heritage. Based on the consultants' economic analysis and on several broad assumptions, the subsidised sea and air ferry services to the eight islands within the scope of the study result annually in a local tourism spend of at least €12 million; a broader economic impact of €17 million; a contribution to GNP of €11 million; 275 jobs on the islands and elsewhere being supported by the tourism expenditure; €6 million in tax and excise receipts; and ignoring dead-weight, a benefit-subsidy ratio of 4:1, excluding the Aer Árann subsidy, or 3:1, including the Aer Árann subsidy. A copy of this study is posted on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie .
