The operators of the country's only cable car have defended its closure on seven separate occasions since its reopening in June following major investment.
In a statement, Cork County Council said that while the Dursey Island Cable Car service usually operates throughout the year with planned downtime for maintenance, "unforeseen events, breakdowns and power outages" can effect it from time to time, and these "are addressed as a priority by the council".
"Such situations are managed to ensure that any issues affecting the operation of the cable car are comprehensively addressed and this is followed by the prioritised resumption of a safe and reliable cable car service," the statement concluded.
The council's comments follow a number of unplanned closures recently.
Last Sunday, the cable car service was withdrawn when a haul rope - replaced in advance of the recent reconstruction of the two towers - showed unexpected signs of wear and tear.
The council said an examination of the roller used to pull the cable car to and from the island showed it was defective and needed replacement.
This meant the cable car had to be decommissioned until a replacement roller had to be installed and tested.
This incident followed closures on 17 June due to an electrical fault; 22 June for planned maintenance; 24 June to 27 June 'when a technical issue arose' ; 6 Jul due to a power cut; 13 July for planned maintenance; 20 July for essential maintenance; and 13 August because of a defective roller.
The country's only cable car reopened in June after 14 months, following a €1.6 million upgrade.
It is a popular scenic destination on the Wild Atlantic Way tourist route, with over 21,000 visitors annually.
