Wed, Nov 18, 2020
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At the start of October I made representations to Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage on the funding crisis at Dublin Zoo. While some funding has been secured there remains a gap as a result of the COVID related drop in revenue experienced by the zoos. This is an issue Minister Noonan continues to work on with the Taoiseach.
Minister Noonan and I recognise the value that Dublin Zoo, Fota Wildlife Park and smaller zoos around the country provide in terms of species conservation, education, and as a recreational resource.
Prior to October Minister Noonan took the initiative of meeting with Dublin Zoo, Fota Wildlife Park, and the British and Irish Zoos Association (BIAZA) to assess the challenges within the sector.
Minister Noonan is working with his department in the hope of offering short term financial support to help tide the two main zoos past this immediate challenge. He has also raised the matter with An Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Minister McGrath. Minister Noonan believes that a broader support package is required that is beyond the means of his department. The outflow of public goodwill in terms of donations is testament to the high regard that these places have in our public consciousness. The loss of Dublin or Fota is unthinkable.
We are both working to ensure to the future viability of both Dublin Zoo, Fota Wildlife Park and all of our zoos and aquariums.
I spoke with Claire Byrne on RTÉ today at 11am on this issue.
"It's unthinkable that there wouldn't be support for @DublinZoo": Neasa Hourigan TD @neasa_neasa.
— Today with Claire Byrne (@TodaywithClaire) November 18, 2020
But does not agree with @OCallaghanJim that the zoo should be open now.#TodayCB