Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
511. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports for chartered ferry operators who provide tourism services in County Mayo rather than as a transport option to islands, in view of the recent fuel cost increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant challenges facing enterprises arising from current global energy supply pressures. In response, a comprehensive fuel support package was announced on 12 April, under which targeted measures have been put in place to assist businesses. In addition, over recent years the Government has implemented a broad range of measures to reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility through improved energy efficiency, fuel switching and the acceleration of the transition to low-carbon, indigenous energy sources. These measures are designed to mitigate cost pressures across the economy while ensuring the sustainable and responsible use of public resources.
I am aware that increases in fuel costs may present particular challenges for certain tourism-related operators, including chartered ferry operators. The Government, through my Department and its agencies, supports the tourism sector through the implementation of A New Era for Irish Tourism – the National Tourism Policy Statement. This policy places a strong emphasis on supporting tourism SMEs, extending the tourism season, and promoting balanced regional development. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland play a central role in delivering this policy on the ground.
In response to recent increases in fuel and energy costs affecting tourism businesses, Fáilte Ireland has put in place a range of practical and immediate supports aimed at helping businesses protect margins and manage rising operating costs. While more structured initiatives, such as Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, are designed to operate over a longer timeframe, these supports are informed by the learnings from that programme and focuses on enabling businesses to take practical, short-term actions to improve energy efficiency and achieve fuel savings. This approach allows businesses to realise financial benefits more quickly.
In addition, the Programme for Government sets out an ambitious framework for strengthening and enhancing the tourism sector nationwide. In this context, I secured additional funding in Budget 2026 for Fáilte Ireland to further its work on balanced regional development and domestic marketing.
More broadly, the Government continues to prioritise measures to reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility through energy efficiency, fuel switching and the acceleration of the transition to low-carbon, indigenous energy sources across the economy.
Responsibility for the provision of subsidised ferry, cargo and air services to offshore islands rests with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. That Department supports island communities by providing subsidised passenger and cargo ferry services year-round between the mainland and permanently inhabited offshore islands, with such contracts incorporating fuel price variation clauses. The application of the fuel price variation clause in respect of the subsidised services is a matter for that Department. There are also several non-subsidised ferry services to the offshore islands, many of whom operate on a seasonal basis.
Government has agreed to establish a support scheme for the road transport sector in response to the recent fuel costs increases. The scheme will support both licensed and own account hauliers, as well as licensed passenger operators, subject to eligibility requirements. It is also being considered whether non-subsidised ferry services to the offshore islands could be supported through a similar mechanism. In this context, my Department, in conjunction with colleagues across Government, including the Department of Transport and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will continue to keep cost pressures facing affected businesses under review, in line with overall policy objectives and budgetary frameworks.
