Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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285. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 26 November 2020, when applicants for funding can expect to hear from the NPWS; if the funding set aside will be enough to cover the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41922/20]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Applications for the emergency funding scheme for zoos, announced on the 21st November, have been received to date from 64 establishments. Under the scheme, these zoos and aquaria are allocated an amount of funding based on the size and costs involved in maintaining the welfare of their animal collections.

€500,000 has been set aside for small and medium zoos while an amount of €1.1 million will be divided between Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park, reflecting the large scale of their operations and their importance both nationally and internationally.

Provision of funding is contingent on establishments being in compliance with the zoo licensing standards as set out by the Zoo Regulations and the Irish Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.

Virtual inspections are being carried out by my Department at the moment and I understand that these should be concluded next week. My Department is working hard with the zoos and aquaria so that the necessary paperwork is in place with the Department to ensure that grant payments can be processed before the end of the year. Applicants will be notified by the NPWS when their grant has been processed and is ready for payment. Should they require an update in the meantime, applicants may contact the Zoo Licensing Section of the NPWS at .