Dublin Zoo

Lobbying Organisation Dublin Zoo

Date published 19 Sep, 2025

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Heritage

Period 1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025

Specific Details Outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector. Organised meetings to build relationships. Sought advice in relation to a new project. Requested a meeting to discuss state support for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. Gave Minister an update on animal matters.

Intended results Highlight issues that currently exist in relation to animal transfers in the zoo sector between Ireland, UK and Europe and sought help to rectify them. Relationship building Wished to obtain advice in relation to a new project development Wished to have a discussion about support for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Christoph Schwitzer

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (1)

Contacted Barry Andrews MEP, outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector and sought assistance

Email (2-5)

Contacted Barry Andrews MEP, outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector and sought assistance

Letter (1)

Contacted Barry Cowen MEP, outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector and sought assistance

Email (1)

Contacted Barry Cowen MEP, outlined challenges facing animal transfers in the zoo sector and sought assistance

Meeting (1)

Met Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and brought him on a tour of the Zoo

Email (11-20)

Organised a site meeting and zoo tour with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran

Informal communication (2-5)

Gave Minister Kevin Boxer Moran an update on animal matters

Phone call (2-5)

Sought advice from Richard Shakespeare in relation to a new project in Dublin Zoo

Email (2-5)

Requested a meeting with John Conlon to discuss state support for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Barry Andrews MEP (European Parliament)

Barry Cowen MEP (European Parliament)

Kevin Boxer Moran TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Richard Shakespeare Chief Executive Officer (Dublin City Council)

John Conlon Chairman (The Office of Public Works)