The threat posed by foot and mouth disease continues to decline. But there is still no room for complacency, given the virulence of the disease in Britain and the lack of explanation for the last outbreak in Northern Ireland, at Ardboe, Co. Tyrone, some weeks ago. Thankfully, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mr Walsh, has found it possible to announce some further relaxations in restrictions on the movement of farm animals. And the Expert Advisory Group to the Government has sanctioned the resumption of hill walking, angling, pony trekking and other tourist-related activities from May 11th. At the same time, measures are being put in place to allow for the reopening of Dublin Zoo, Fota Island Wildlife Park and other such public attractions.
The hard-pressed tourism and hospitality industry will welcome these changes. There has been a gradual return to near normality in relation to urban-based facilities and conference centres, but adventure centres and the angling, hill walking and horse trekking sectors remained under tight restraint. In the Dail yesterday the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, estimated that direct losses to the industry have already amounted to £225 million, composed of £175 million in foreign income and £50 million in domestic spending. Potential losses, should the disease take hold here, could amount to £640 million. The estimates do not include the losses suffered by air and ferry transport companies.
The sector is, however, fighting back. The largest-ever tourism marketing programme, costing £100 million, has been launched, with £35 million being provided by the Exchequer. The St Patrick's Day Festival has been rescheduled for May 18th so as to kick-start the flagging season. And Dr McDaid has just completed a week-long promotional tour of the United States. In spite of such activity, however, the Minister expects that tourist numbers and earnings will be down for June, July and August, before recovering towards the end of the year.
Mr Walsh has a difficult task in seeking to ensure there are no further outbreaks of foot and mouth disease here while, at the same time, responding to the needs of the agricultural and tourism sectors. Some movement of animals has been permitted. Professional, advisory and sales visits to farms will be allowed from May 11th. But there are still tight restrictions on the movement of sheep. General farm-to-farm movement of cattle is still regarded as being too risky.
In opening up to countryside to hill walkers, anglers and pony trekkers from next week, the Minister emphasised that such persons would have to behave responsibly; clean and disinfect their footwear and clothing; avoid any contact with susceptible animals and keep dogs under tight control. It was important, Mr Walsh said, not to develop a sense of being "home and dry" and all sections of the community should recognise a continuing threat. Vigilance and the strict implementation of precautionary measures were still required.
It makes good sense for the Government to retain strict disinfection measures at ports, airports and border crossings and to advise those who have been in contact with infected animals to stay away. While nine weeks of anti-disease restrictions have caused serious dislocation and financial losses to many sections of society, it would be a great error to drop our guard at this time. It is to be hoped that the worst is over. We should not put at risk the sacrifices already made.