Deirdre Clune
Ceist:201 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will ensure that the subvention paid to the ferry service from Cape Clear remains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16284/99]
Written Answers. - Ferry Services.
My Department is at present carrying out a detailed analysis of the access requirements of the inhabited offshore islands with a view to assisting in the provision of a suitable level of secure transport between the islands and the mainland. Oileán Chléire has been serviced since 1975 by a State owned ferry – An Naomh Ciarán and my Department is at present examining that service as part of the analysis of the access requirements of the inhabited islands in the region. This examination is being carried out in consultation with the island co-operative and the island community and the views of the island community will be taken into account in arriving at a decision. However until all the necessary consultations have taken place no decision will be made regarding the future subsidisation of the ferry service between Oileán Chléire and the mainland.
I can confirm however that no reduction will take place in the level or quality of service provided as a result of the review and that I have considerably improved ferry services to the offshore islands since becoming Minister with responsibility for the islands.