Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise on behalf of Deputy McGinley, who is taking a Bill in the Dail. He wanted to be here because of his interest in the islands and because of his commitment, on behalf of the Government, to do what we can for the long-term sustainable development of all inhabited islands.

The cable car to Dursey Island is the responsibility of Cork County Council and the Department has no role in its operation. I am aware that Cork County Council engaged consulting engineers in 2010 to undertake a complete structural assessment of the cable car, in accordance with national and European legislation and with the Eurocodes. As a result of the structural assessment, the consultants recommended that the transport of animals on the cable car be discontinued. Based on this recommendation, Cork County Council prohibited the transport of animals on the cable car with effect from January 2012.

In order to alleviate the difficulty of transporting cumbersome items to the island, the Department agreed to allocate a grant for the provision of a cargo ferry service to allow for sailings on three separate days during the period 1 July 2012 to 31 August 2013. This allowed for the transport of essential cargo to the island and facilitated the occasional transport of animals on the return journey, although the subsidy was not provided for this specific purpose.

Cork County Council commissioned a further study in 2012, entitled Dursey Island Cable Car Strategic Review, the purpose of which was to consider access to the island that would sustain growth, allow farming practices to be facilitated, attract people to the island and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. The review considers different scenarios with regard to the future of the cable car and access to the island. I understand that the review will be published shortly, and it will form the basis of future decisions on the cable car and the island. The Department will consider any proposal it receives from Cork County Council on island infrastructure or access, while bearing in mind the very limited funding available for infrastructural development.

The Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, is acutely aware of the issue and is committed to doing what he can to help the island and its long-term sustainable growth. In any circumstance the issue of funding arises, but in the first instance we will wait to see the published report from Cork County Council, which has responsibility in the area, before seeing what further action can be taken.