Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
482. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered providing targeted supports to zoos and aquariums such as Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/21]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been involved in discussions with the zoo sector throughout the period of the pandemic in connection with difficulties faced by the sector as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and to consider how my Department might be of assistance.
In November 2020, Minister O’Brien and I announced funding of €1.6 million for the zoo sector, to encompass all licensed zoos including aquaria. The funding was allocated in the form of a grant scheme, open to the 69 licensed establishments in Ireland. This was aimed primarily at preventing an animal welfare crisis as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
While the State does not ordinarily provide funding to the zoo sector, these measures were put in place in the context of the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on these establishments.
The fund was to cover zoos’ ongoing costs in relation to maintaining animal welfare standards during the winter period. As well as having responsibility for licensing, inspection and regulation of zoos, my Department is responsible for ensuring compliance with welfare standards in accordance with the Irish Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, which set out best practice and strict standards for animal well-being.
A fund of €500,000 was available to assist small and medium size zoos and aquaria. A separate fund of €1.1m was provided to the two largest zoos, Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park, in order to prevent these nationally important zoos from closing.
This financial support recognised the vital role played by our zoos as networks for global conservation of biodiversity, as centres of learning and places where lifelong memories of families and children are made. This emergency funding will also safeguard employment and stimulate local economies in recovering by ensuring the continued operation of viable zoo establishments throughout the country.
My Department’s NPWS has continued to monitor the situation closely and is in regular contact with zoos and aquaria, as well as the sector’s representative body, on a range of issues including the positive impact of the funding in 2020 and what supports might be needed in 2021.
