Written Answers Nos. 649-668
649. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his departmental officials have met with representatives of the fishing vessel owner organisations since March this year to discuss the review of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44829/22]
View answerThe review to which the Deputy is referring is led by the Department of Justice with assistance from officials in both my Department and that of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I understand that the Review Group afforded opportunities to all stakeholders to provide feedback on the operation of the existing scheme both via meetings and written submissions. I further understand that the Minister for Justice intends to bring the Review Group's report to Government for consideration.
In the meantime, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has co-ordinated engagement with employer representatives in the seafood sector (including fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture) to advise on the procedures and steps necessary to apply for sectoral access to its Employment Permit scheme and Bord Iascaigh Mhara has been assisting the sector in this regard. I understand that the most recent formal meeting in that regard took place in July.
650. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of current contracts for fishers employed under the terms of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers that are currently on file in his Department’s central depository unit in Clonakilty; if a breakdown of the fishers by nationality will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44830/22]
View answerThe number of current contracts for fishers employed under the terms of the Atypical Work Permit Scheme for non-EEA Workers in the Irish Fishing Fleet comes to 295. This figure represents original applications or renewal contracts submitted to my Department’s Central Depository Unit on behalf of non-EEA workers within the past 12 months.
The table below provides a breakdown of these 295 current contracts by nationality. Any subsequent permits under the scheme are a matter for the Minister for Justice.
|
- |
Number of contracts (Processed between 08 Sep 2021 - 09 Sep 2022) |
|
Philippines |
145 |
|
Indonesia |
60 |
|
Egypt |
40 |
|
Ghana |
37 |
|
Sri Lanka |
10 |
|
India |
2 |
|
Russia |
1 |
|
Total |
295 |
651. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it may be possible for Ireland’s agri-food industry to help meet the challenges of world food shortages with particular reference to regions currently experiencing famine and starvation; if the international community can co-ordinate efforts in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44900/22]
View answerThe global food security situation is concerning, especially the impacts on developing countries. International efforts must focus on the approximately 1.7 billion people across 100 economies who are severely exposed to challenging economic conditions and diminished food security, which is being exacerbated by the crisis in Ukraine. The link between hunger and conflict is well known and this is why at the UN Security Council, Ireland is playing a leading role on hunger.In the context of our membership of the EU single market and participation in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), the EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems" sets out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability.
The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM). I welcome the development of the “EU Global Food Security Response” adopted in the June Council Conclusions.
Its four strands of action: solidarity through emergency relief and support for affordability; boosting sustainable production, resilience and food systems transformation; facilitating Ukrainian and global trade; and effective multilateralism; form an effective framework that joins up immediate and longer term action at local and global levels. In addition, all EU Members States and the Commission have endorsed the “Road Map for the Global Food Security - Call for Action” agreed between Foreign Ministers at the UN, which will guide efforts led by the UN Secretary General-through the UN Global Crisis Response Group, and coordinated with the G7 Global Alliance for Food Security. I fully support the second strand of action of the EU response, boosting sustainable production, resilience and food systems transformation. At the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, Ireland committed to sharing its own journey in food systems transformation and its plans for the future through our national strategy Food Vision 2030, and to assist developing countries in their own journeys. In support of this, my Department has supported the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the design of a global Food Systems Transformation Support Facility, which will be a critical component for technical support for global food systems transformation.In Food Vision, our sector has laid out its ambition To become “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems” through the pursuit of four high-level Missions:1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted And Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology And Talent.
I am confident that the sector will deliver on its ambitions and will continue to contribute to national, EU and global food security.
652. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the dairy and beef sectors in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44901/22]
View answerOur beef and suckler farm families produce a world-class product that is in demand in markets across the globe.
Beef exports totalled €2.4 billion in 2021, a 3.1% increase on 2020 figures.
Teagasc forecasts that EU beef supply will decline in 2022 and that UK supply will remain unchanged. The outlook for Irish beef exports remains generally positive for 2022 according to Bord Bia.
The Irish dairy industry is one of our largest and most profitable industries. Irish dairy exports exceeded the €5 billion mark for the third year in 2021. Strong market returns across the core categories of butter, cheese, and powders, coupled with diversification efforts into new markets have led to a sustained increase in value.
Last year, we exported over 1.6 million tonnes of dairy products to approximately 147 different countries. Ireland is currently the 10th largest dairy exporter in the world, shipping over 85% of our dairy products to the EU and beyond.
The outlook for Irish dairy remains positive as buyers seek to secure product amid weaker European and Oceania milk output, a factor which has assisted in sustaining high dairy prices.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs.
I have taken a proactive approach in responding to the impact of illegal war in Ukraine on the agri-food sector, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
I am confident that working together we can position Ireland as a world leader in sustainable food systems, meeting our climate targets, and ensuring that the market delivers a reward for our quality, sustainably produced food, particularly for our farmers, and their families who are the bedrock of the sector.
653. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [44961/22]
View answerThis application is currently being processed and a DAFM Inspector will be in touch with the applicant shortly to arrange the next step of the process, which is an on farm inspection. Once all procedural steps are complete a decision will issue to the applicant as soon as possible.
654. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their application. [44976/22]
View answerThis application is now at the final stage of processing and a decision will issue to the applicant very shortly.
655. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44988/22]
View answerThe Sheep Welfare Scheme is an animal welfare scheme that was introduced in December 2016, initially as a four year scheme. Existing sheep farmers who wished to participate in the scheme were required to submit an application to join the scheme by the closing date of 3rd February 2017.
As set out in the terms and conditions of Year 1 of the scheme, participants in the scheme who wished to continue into Year 2 of the scheme were required to complete and return a Notification of Continuation form to the Department. This form was issued by the Department to all participants in Year 1 of the scheme.
Where a Notification of Continuation form was not completed and returned to the Department by a participant in the scheme, the participant was deemed to have withdrawn from the scheme. As per the terms and conditions of the scheme, where an applicant withdrew from the scheme, it was not possible to rejoin the scheme in subsequent years.
The person named submitted an application to participate in Year 1 of the scheme on 22nd January 2017. The application to join the scheme was successful and the applicant received payment for year 1 of the scheme.
The Department issued the Notification of Continuation sheet to all participants in Year 1 of the scheme. However, the Department has no record of having received the completed Notification of Continuation form from the person named as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme. As a result, the person named was deemed to have withdrawn from the scheme and no payment was due to the person named for Year 2 or subsequent years of the scheme.
Please note my Department will be accepting applications for the new Sheep Improvement Scheme later this year. This scheme, which will replace the existing Sheep Welfare Scheme under the new CAP, will be open to sheep farmers with breeding ewes, including those who had participated in the Sheep Welfare Scheme and subsequently withdrew from the scheme.
Further details regarding the Sheep Improvement Scheme will be published by the Department in advance of the opening of the application facility.
656. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount that his Department spent during the calendar year 2021 supporting animal welfare and animal sanctuary organisations. [45115/22]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to support animal welfare charities involved in rescuing and rehoming animals through the Animal Welfare Grant Programme for Registered Animal Charities.
In December 2021, I awarded record funding of over €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare bodies throughout the country through this Programme.
This funding for animal welfare organisations is evidence of my own and the Government’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and acknowledges the important role played by animal welfare organisations. These organisations play a crucial role in ensuring all our animals are cared for and protected.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of animal welfare again this year, to which I am fully committed.
657. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes and funding streams offered by his Department to non-profit organisations dedicated to animal welfare and animal sanctuary. [45116/22]
View answerThe funding stream offered by Department to non-profit organisations dedicated to animal welfare and animal sanctuary is through the Animal Welfare Grant Programme for Registered Animal Charities.
The call for grant applications for this year's awards was launched in June this year and applications received are now being evaluated by my officials .
These applications for annual funding from animal welfare organisations are assessed carefully and awards are made on the basis of objective criteria. These include the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals and the level of funding raised by organisations from other sources to support welfare activities.
To be eligible for funding, applicant organisations must be registered charities and must supply detailed information on their governance arrangements and financial records.
In 2021, and again this year, to further enhance the impact of public funding for animal welfare bodies nationwide, my Department has aligned our funding model with the animal welfare policies, objectives and priorities outlined in Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. Consequently, the assessment of funding places emphasis on the ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach to education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare delivered by the organisations.
658. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that Coillte is not maintaining its land in good order in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45071/22]
View answerCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
659. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that funding for community groups and youth centres and so on, will be increased to reflect the significant impacts that inflation and energy costs have been having on these centres and services in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45018/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the increase in cost of living and impacts of inflation and rising costs in recent months, and my Department continues to support communities throughout Ireland to ensure they remain vibrant and sustainable.
My Department delivers a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities including sports clubs, youth groups and voluntary and community groups.
These supports include, amongst others, the Community Centres Investment Fund, the Community Services Programme, Community & Voluntary Supports programme, Community Activities Fund, Community Enhancement Programme, Empowering Communities Fund and the Scheme to Support National Organisations.
Through the Dormant Account Fund which my Department manages across government departments €12 million has been provided to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in 2022 for various sporting measures.
Just this week I announced funding of over €2.75 million for 74 community projects nationwide. This funding, under the CLÁR Programme, will provide sports clubs, schools and community groups with grants of up to €50,000 to develop a range of projects that will benefit people of all ages. The successful projects include astroturf pitches, community gyms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool tables, outdoor cinemas, walkways, public toilets and car park facilities.
All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, Government Departments and State Agencies. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities, and assists my Department in identifying the appropriate response needed.
660. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44391/22]
View answerThe Community Centres Investment Fund application closing date was Thursday 14th July 2022, and I can confirm my Department received an application from the group the Minister refers to.
The appraisal process is currently ongoing. All applications will be subject to a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines.
Due to the high level of applications to the fund, it is expected to be quarter 4 of 2022 when applicants are notified of the outcome of the application and appraisal process.
661. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local improvement scheme applications that have been received by county to date in 2022; the number that have been approved and the funding allocated per county to date in 2022, in tabular form. [44392/22]
View answerAs part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The LIS supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.
The scheme was reintroduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2021, my Department allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefited over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I was pleased, as part of Budget 2022, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million this year. Following a review of savings within the Department, I have recently announced an additional €11 million for the scheme, so doubling the 2022 allocation to €22 million. This brings the allocation since 2017 to over €100 million.
The prioritisation and selection of eligible LIS roads is a matter for each relevant local authority within broad parameters set down by my Department. Following the launch of the LIS with the confirmation of county allocations, each local authority submits a priority list of roads, as well as a reserve list to my Department before works commence locally.
541 LIS roads have been submitted and approved for funding to date for 2022, officials in my Department are engaging with a small number of local authorities to finalise lists under the second tranche of funding announced last month. These roads together with the county allocations are set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority |
Roads Submitted & Approved 2022 |
First Allocation |
Second Allocation |
Total Allocation 2022 |
|
Carlow |
37 |
€351,880 |
€592,202 |
€944,082 |
|
Cavan |
25 |
€371,140 |
€902,317 |
€1,273,457 |
|
Clare |
26 |
€582,690 |
€655,325 |
€1,238,015 |
|
Cork |
20 |
€879,099 |
€419,141 |
€1,298,240 |
|
Donegal |
31 |
€716,560 |
€994,654 |
€1,711,214 |
|
Galway |
50 |
€958,831 |
€724,010 |
€1,682,841 |
|
Kerry |
22 |
€704,030 |
€791,460 |
€1,495,490 |
|
Kildare |
12 |
€351,880 |
€83,446 |
€435,326 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
€390,790 |
€237,820 |
€628,610 |
|
Laois |
23 |
€351,880 |
€508,397 |
€860,277 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
€351,880 |
€729,158 |
€1,081,038 |
|
Limerick |
27 |
€485,970 |
€445,019 |
€930,989 |
|
Longford |
18 |
€351,880 |
€114,060 |
€465,940 |
|
Louth |
9 |
€351,880 |
€96,393 |
€448,273 |
|
Mayo |
33 |
€0 |
€610,944 |
€610,944 |
|
Meath |
8 |
€340,500 |
€228,799 |
€569,299 |
|
Monaghan |
14 |
€351,880 |
€581,009 |
€932,889 |
|
Offaly |
31 |
€380,760 |
€294,025 |
€674,785 |
|
Roscommon |
23 |
€456,990 |
€114,768 |
€571,758 |
|
Sligo |
10 |
€358,030 |
€0 |
€358,030 |
|
Tipperary |
30 |
€644,070 |
€481,703 |
€1,125,773 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
€92,910 |
€494,266 |
€587,176 |
|
Westmeath |
9 |
€358,320 |
€298,461 |
€656,781 |
|
Wexford |
23 |
€431,760 |
€349,267 |
€781,027 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
€384,390 |
€253,358 |
€637,748 |
|
Total Roads |
541 |
€11M |
€11M |
€22M |
662. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons employed in her Department that have a formal agreement to work from home one day per week, two days per week and five days per week; her Department’s policy in respect of facilitating requests by persons to work from home; and the number of persons that have made requests to work from home in 2021 and to date in 2022, that have been declined. [44586/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to embedding remote working into the culture and practices of the Department. To this end, our Blended Working Policy was launched in July 2022 with a view to building a dynamic, flexible and versatile organisation, while sustaining high levels of performance, productivity and innovation. Our policy applies widely across the organisation and is underpinned by the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations.
The total number of persons currently employed by my Department is 175, of whom over ninety percent continue to work from home, in the main, for a maximum of three days per week. There is flexibility built into the current arrangement to ensure that business needs continue to be met, as a priority. The Department’s Blended Working Policy will be reviewed early in 2023 in line with central guidance in the matter.
Staff are currently at the on-line application stage of the formal blended working application process which involves a number of steps. Consequently, no formal requests have been declined, to date.
663. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide additional funding to the public participation networks to allow them to provide additional funds to community groups struggling to pay energy costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44651/22]
View answerPublic Participation Networks (PPNs) were established to provide representation for the community sector in Local Authority policymaking structures, giving local volunteers a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.
PPNs are not grant-awarding bodies and are not permitted to give direct grants to community groups. They receive funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and Local Authorities to resource their own core activities related to their functions; namely, local policy representation, building the capacity of volunteer-run groups to contribute to local policy, and providing information and networking opportunities to community groups. The funding is not intended for other purposes.
The €9m Community Activities Fund, which I launched in November 2021, allowed groups in disadvantaged areas to apply for funding for their running costs such as utility (Electricity, Heating charges) or insurance bills. Groups could also apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. This scheme is part of the CEP and is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
It is hoped to run another CEP later in the year, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their LCDCs for further details on funding available locally.
664. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when successful applications for the level 3 outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will be announced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44921/22]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
Earlier this year, I launched the 2022 Scheme with a budget of €15 million to support outdoor recreation projects nationwide. The measures being funded under this year’s Scheme are:
- Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing (up to €30,000)
- Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development (up to €200,000)
- Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (up to €500,000)
- Project Development Measure: Development Costs for Strategic Large Scale Projects (up to €50,000).
Last month, I was delighted to announce funding of almost €6 million supporting 200 outdoor recreation projects under Measure 1 and the Project Development Measure.
I can confirm that an application has been submitted in respect of the specific project referred to by the Deputy under Measure 3 of the Scheme. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement in the coming weeks on the successful projects under Measures 2 and 3 of the Scheme.
665. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide additional funding for the social inclusion and activation programme for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44922/22]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. The current iteration began on 1 January 2018 and will run until the end of 2023. My officials have begun the process of developing a new iteration of SICAP which will begin in 2024. The programme provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.
The funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary estimates process and I was delighted to have secured a 10% increase for SICAP for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched.
Earlier this year, an additional €5 million funding was announced to support the Local Development Companies, through SICAP, for the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
I recognise the vital work the programme does in helping so many individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed and I will continue to prioritise funding for SICAP within my Department’s overall voted expenditure.
666. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is reviewing the budget for the social inclusion and community activation programme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current budget is at 2008 levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44975/22]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. The current iteration began on 1 January 2018 and will run until the end of 2023. My Department has committed over €250 million funding to the six year national programme.
The funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary estimates process. It should be noted that increases in the annual allocations have been achieved over the duration of the current programme and I was delighted to have secured a 10% increase for SICAP for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched. This year, over €43 million was allocated to the programme, supporting front line workers in Local Development Companies to deliver SICAP on the ground.
Earlier this year, an additional €5 million funding was announced to support the Local Development Companies, through SICAP, for the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
While funding for SICAP was reduced after 2008, it should be noted however that since then other social inclusion measures have been initiated and funded. I recognise the vital work that the programme does in helping so many individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed, and I will continue to prioritise funding for SICAP within my Department’s overall voted expenditure.
667. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the rural regeneration and development fund 1 funding application submitted by Clare County Council to her Department for the Inis Cealtra Holy Island visitor experience; when a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45013/22]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €279 million for projects costing €379 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on the 29th April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million. I understand that an application was received for the project referred to by the Deputy.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks.
668. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 31 May 2022, the status of the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the status of the development of the model simulation of the harbour by the National Maritime College of Ireland and if it has been completed and tested, with feedback given to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45189/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of Caladh Mór Pier on Inis Meáin, which is included in the National Development Plan.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was instructed by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour.
Galway County Council collated the technical specifications of the key vessels that use the harbour, and the results of a highly detailed, multi-beam mapping survey carried out in the harbour, and this data was used in the development of the simulation.
My Department has been advised that a demonstration of this model simulation is scheduled to take place at the NMCI this week, with the skippers of the relevant vessels in attendance to provide feedback.
Once the data from the simulation has been compiled, along with any feedback received from the vessel operators, Galway County Council will incorporate the findings into a draft business case. Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.
