Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
1081. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if tourist travel to the offshore islands may be considered under phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (details supplied). [7087/20]
View answer1084. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason non-resident tourist travel to offshore islands can only resume in phase 5 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business while tourism activities in the rest of the country with appropriate restrictions are being facilitated in phase 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7049/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1081 and 1084 together.
In response to the Taoiseach’s announcement on 27 March 2020, as well as to requests from island communities to limit travel to island residents only in order to keep the islands COVID free, my Department has worked closely with island representative groups and ferry operators in order to implement reduced ferry schedules serving the islands on a temporary basis. This was done to properly protect both island communities and those working on their life-line transport services during the current pandemic.
These services will be fully restored in due course in accordance with best practice, following consultation with island communities and the relevant health authorities.
While Government recognises the importance of tourism to the economy of the islands, the well being of island residents must be given priority at this time. Notwithstanding this, if a reasonable request to reopen the islands earlier than Stage 5 of the National Plan were to come from the island communities through their representative body, I would be willing to bring same to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
