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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Zoos and aquariums funding

Summary

David Stanton backed capital funding for zoos and aquariums, highlighting Fota Wildlife Park's educational and conservation role. The Taoiseach said the Government was engaging with Dublin Zoo and Fota and would intervene to support the sector and keep facilities open.

I wish to raise the issue of zoos and aquariums. Some eight institutions in Ireland are involved in the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Fota Wildlife Park in my own area is a hugely important resource. It had more than 62,000 visitors last year. It serves very important conservational and educational purposes. Some 18,600 students visited in 2019. I want to support the proposal for an injection of capital funding. On top of that, there are more than 60 licensed zoos and aquariums in Ireland. As I said this morning, they cannot just switch off. They have to feed and look after the animals. They do a good job.

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I thank Deputy Stanton for raising the issue. As I said earlier, the Government is engaging with Dublin Zoo and with Fota Wildlife Park. It will intervene to support the sector, particularly to keep those facilities open. I take the Deputy's wider point on board.

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