Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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923. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that a ferry service is provided for Dursey Island as a replacement for the cable car service which is due to stop for maintenance work later in 2022. [9737/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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924. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will engage with Cork County Council and local stakeholders on the Beara Peninsula concerning the announced closure of the Dursey Island cable car service for maintenance work later in 2022. [9738/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 923 and 924 together.

My Department fully understands the importance of the Dursey Island cable car service for island residents, the local farming community, and the impact the withdrawal of the service will have on tourism in the region.

It is important to note, however, that Cork County Council are wholly responsible for the provision of the cable car service and their recent decision to withdraw it was taken without any prior consultation with my Department.

When maintaining its infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and in this case the cable car, the council are responsible for providing alternative routes to minimise any access disruptions.

Nonetheless, I am very mindful of the concerns of local stakeholders and I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to engage with Cork County Council and the Island representative groups to try and seek a resolution to this issue.