Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys. I am aware of the concerns expressed by the residents of Dursey, the farming community which has animals on the island and those that promote tourism in the region regarding the recent decision by Cork County Council to withdraw the existing cable car service to Dursey Island in order to carry out maintenance works.

It is important to note that the provision, management and upkeep of the cable car is a matter for Cork County Council. It owns and operates the existing cable car service and is responsible for ensuring mainland connectivity for the island, residents and those who require access to farmland during the period of maintenance. I understand the recent decision to withdraw the cable car service was taken without any prior consultation with the island residents, island representative groups or the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is not how a local authority should carry out its business.

If this service was going to be withdrawn due to essential maintenance, there should have been consultation with the local community and, equally important, engagement with the Department. When maintaining any infrastructure such as roads, bridges or, in this case, a cable car, the local authority is responsible for providing alternative routes to minimise any access disruptions. It is the responsibility of Cork County Council to provide the residents of Dursey Island and all others dependent on the service with an alternative temporary service from the island to the mainland while these maintenance works are being carried out.

The Minister is disappointed that Cork County Council did not see fit to engage with, or provide any prior notification to, her Department about its intention to announce the closure of the cable car. It would have been preferable to have that engagement, and a solution and alternative arrangement in place, before Cork County Council announced that the cable car was to close. It is a pity that did not occur to anybody in Cork County Council, and I am sure the three Deputies will concur with that based on what they said.

9 o’clock

I assure the Deputies that the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, is keen to try to find a solution. The Minister understands the urgency of the situation. His officials are engaged and will continue to engage with Cork County Council and the island representatives to seek a resolution to the issue. I spoke to the Minister before I came into the Chamber. She is prepared to make herself available to see how a solution can be accommodated for this issue. She understands the urgency and sensitivity around this and, as Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan said, how iconic the Dursey Island cable car is. I was previously Minister of State with responsibility for tourism and I know that Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland use the Dursey cable car on many iconic images. The manner in which this has taken place is regrettable. Hopefully, with the correct form of engagement with the Department and the local representatives on Cork County Council, a way forward can be found.

See this speech in context