Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
742. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the daily number of Department contracted sailings to islands (details supplied); the reason for the differences in the frequency of services to different islands and the factors used to arrive at this frequency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26287/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that island communities have access to reliable transport services is a core objective of my Department. A subsidy is paid to attract operators to provide a service where it may not otherwise be viable for them to do so. While the subsidy will assist with operating costs and to establish a transport service, operators are encouraged to develop the service further.
The number of subsidised services varies from island to island, contingent on the location of the island, the access to services - schools, shops and other services on the island - the number of passengers / tourists etc. I will provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of subsidised services to those islands detailed by him under separate cover.
