Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

918. 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. [16338/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At the outset, it is important to note that Cork County Council own and operate the cable car service and are responsible for ensuring mainland connectivity for the island residents and for those who require access to their farmlands during the period of maintenance. During periods of scheduled routine maintenance in the past, the Council have provided a temporary ferry service to the island.

The decision to withdraw the service was taken by Cork County Council without any prior consultation with the Island residents, with Island representative groups or indeed with the Department of Rural and Community Development. When maintaining any infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, or in this case the cable car, the Local Authority is responsible for providing alternative routes to minimise any access disruptions.

I understand the urgency of the situation facing Dursey Island residents, the local farming community and the impact that the withdrawal of the cable car service will have on the tourism sector in that region.

I had advised Cork County Council that my Department was available to discuss proposals from the Local Authority on how an appropriate alternative service can be provided during the period in which the cable car is closed. The Chief Executive of the Council has written to me in recent days in that regard and my officials will be meeting with the Council this week to discuss the matter further.