Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
25. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to date with the development of Céibh an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin; the timeline for the processes that will have to be gone through to get this project to construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20814/24]
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, including Inis Meáin.
There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development in Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. The last meeting was held on 16 April.
At that meeting, the officials discussed a document prepared by the County Council to appoint consultants to look at all possible options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin. This process must be completed in accordance with the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines and Public Expenditure Requirements, published in December 2023.
The Department gave approval to the County Council in April to start the tender process to appoint consultants to undertake that work.
My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultant to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process.
It is not possible at this early stage to give a timeline for the processes that will have to be gone through, but my Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure the process is progressed without delay and a consultant appointed as quickly as possible.
