Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the funding supports available to a business (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39315/20]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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My Department has responsibility for implementation of the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 440/2003) which deal with the inspection, licensing and regulation of zoos. These Regulations give effect in the national context to the EU Zoo Directive (Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 of the Council of the European Union).

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been involved in discussions with the zoo sector in recent months in connection with difficulties faced by the sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and to consider how my Department might be of assistance.

Last Saturday, 21st November, Minister O'Brien and I announced that we had secured funding last week of €1.6 million for the zoo sector in 2020, to encompass all licensed zoos including aquaria. The funding will be allocated in the form of a grant scheme, open to the 69 licensed establishments in Ireland. This is 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, the current measures are being put in place in the context of the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on these organizations.

The fund is to cover zoos’ ongoing costs during the upcoming 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. The grant is only to cover feed, veterinary costs, heat and lighting (in the case of reptile and tropical houses) habitat enrichment and maintenance.

All licensed zoos and aquaria have been sent a copy of the grant circular, grant application form and an additional questionnaire, requesting details and evidence of these costs. Applications for funding will be assessed by the NPWS in my Department with a view to facilitating access to funds as soon as possible.

A fund of up to €500,000 is to be made available to small and medium size zoos and aquaria. A distinct emergency fund of €1.1m is to be made available to the two largest zoos, Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park, in order to prevent these large zoos of national strategic importance from closing.

This financial support recognises 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.

Applicants will hear back shortly from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.