Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 15 July 2021, the status of the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; the status of the preparation of the simulation model of the harbour by the National Maritime College of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50138/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council are the body responsible for development of stage three of the Caladh Mór pier development on Inis Meáin. Officials from my Department have been in ongoing contact with the relevant officials in the County Council to progress this development.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) have been developing a model simulation for the harbour on Inis Meáin, which will inform the Business Case options for the development. Progress with the model simulation was somewhat delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions however the NMCI were able to host a small group of islanders, ferry operators and officials at their facility in Ringaskiddy in July for a demonstration of the initial iteration of the marine simulation.
I understand from Department officials who viewed the simulation that it presents vessel operators with an extremely realistic experience of sea conditions and that it is expected to greatly assist in identifying development options for the pier.
Following feedback from the various parties who attended the demonstration, the NMCI are furthering the development of the simulation and there will be a further, more extensive demonstration held upon completion. I understand that the local authority have recently received feedback from the NMCI as regards the updated simulation which will be discussed with my Department officials in the coming days. Following this, further steps will be taken to progress this project.
