Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 5 March 2024, for a status update on the development of Inis Oírr pier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20761/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands.
In July 2023, I gave approval to Galway County Council to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.
A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets on a regular basis, with the most recent meeting taking place on 16th April, to monitor progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. Both projects are included in the National Development Plan.
I understand that a two-stage tender process is currently underway and that Galway County Council published the Stage 2 tender documents last month. This is a great milestone.
I am advised that the closing date for receipt of all tender responses is set for mid July. The assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses will be carried out by Galway County Council and should take approximately 2 months.
Subject to the successful completion of this procurement process, it is expected that a contractor will be appointed later this year.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined that we maintain the momentum to get this project underway and completed.
