Fota Wildlife Park faces closure for several weeks due to eleven confirmed cases of avian influenza in its greylag goose population as a precautionary measure under national biosecurity protocols.
The closure halts visitor admissions and could cost the park up to €1m in revenue while weekly operational costs reach €120,000. The park houses 100 species and approximately 700 animals requiring continued care during the shutdown.
Deputy Noel McCarthy representing East Cork called for interim government funding to maintain animal and staff support.
The Department of Agriculture monitors the situation with possible compensation for culled animals under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 not exceeding open market value.
Deputy Noel McCarthy shared “Fota Wildlife plays a vital role in conservation, education and tourism – not just for Cork, but for the entire country. The temporary closure is necessary to protect avian, animal as well as human health, but it also places significant financial strain on the park. Interim funding should be considered to ensure the park can maintain essential care for its animals and its staff during this difficult period. My appeal is to ensure that institutions like Fota, which are directly impacted by these necessary measures, are not left vulnerable. Interim support now will help preserve the park’s long-term viability.”
