Livestock owners on Dursey Island have criticised Cork County Council’s decision to reduce the opening hours of the island’s cable car ahead of the busy calving and lambing period.

Normally the summer service begins on 1 March, which would see the cable car operate until 7.30pm. Instead, Cork County Council has decided to extend the winter service, closing daily at 4.30pm.

Donal O’Donovan, chair of west Cork IFA, has said the decision will be very disruptive for farmers who depend on the service.

“Eight farmers have over 100 cattle and 500 ewes on the island.

“Shutting the service at 4.30pm each day leaves very little daylight for farmers who need to supervise their livestock and who may need the services of a vet from the mainland.

“The county council will have to re-visit this decision. The daylight hours at this time of year have an impact on working patterns. The absence of a service into the evening will be hugely problematic for farmers.”

O’Donovan said the IFA has sought an urgent meeting with Cork County Council to discuss the matter and to explain the difficulties for farmers arising from the decision.

Dursey Island farmer Gerard Murphy told the Irish Farmers Journal that if livestock owners don’t get the access they require, animal welfare issues could arise on the island.

“We need to have access to the island for longer hours during March and April with hundreds of ewes due to lamb and cows calving. Vets need to be able to come over and assist us when we need them.

“The summer service allows us to stay out on the island getting work done until 7.30pm. Shutting it at 4.30pm will cost us three valuable hours each day.

“The least we can ask for is that the service runs until 7.30pm during the month of April. This will be an extremely busy month on the island.”