Ferry Operations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 March 2013

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Questions (75)

Noel Harrington

Question:

75. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the arrangements made by his Department for the transport of animals to and from the mainland to Dursey Island in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13501/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department allocated a grant for the provision of a ferry cargo service for three days between the mainland and Dursey Island during the period from 1 July 2012 to 31 August 2013. This allowed for the transport of vital provisions to the island and also facilitated the occasional transfer of animals from the island during the period in question.

My Department will give consideration to funding a similar freight service at the end of the above period. However, it should be noted that the regular transfer of animals to and from the island is not the responsibility of my Department.