Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan TD, today announced €3m in Government funding for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. The funding will be divided between the two institutions, with €2m going to Dublin Zoo and €1m going to Fota Wildlife Park.
The figures will be included in the OPW budget for 2021 and will allow both facilities to continue with capital projects already commenced. It is additional to support being provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Speaking earlier, Minister O’Donovan commented, “We all know that Covid has had a catastrophic effect on the income of Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. Both institutions rely heavily on the income from gate receipts which provide the means to improve and develop facilities for both animal welfare and for visitors. I am delighted to be able to announce that the Office of Public Works will now be able to step in and provide much needed capital funding to ensure developments which have been commenced can be finalised as planned over the coming years.”
The Minister added, “I’d also like to pay special tribute to the public who responded so magnificently to the recent appeal from Dublin Zoo, which clearly shows the special place it holds for Irish people. The Government is happy to step up and play its part in securing the immediate future of these important national institutions and to bridge the financial gap until hopefully the gates will open again and visitors can come and enjoy these wonderful attractions as they have done for generations”.
Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Christoph Schwitzer, Director, Dublin Zoo said “I would like to thank Minister O’Donovan and the OPW for making this funding available, after what has been a challenging year for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park due to Covid-19.
This essential financial support will allow us to re-commence vital work on capital projects, including the construction of world class habitats for some of our most endangered species.”
