Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
100. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the work that her Department has undertaken to provide a short-term solution regarding Céibh an Chaladh Mór on Inis Meáin; if she will provide an update on stage three of the development of this pier; if she will meet with stakeholders in relation to these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53283/22]
View answer108. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 14 September 2022, if she will provide an update on 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; if the data has been compiled to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53794/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 108 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on Inis Meáin lies with Galway County Council.
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.
Officials from my Department meet with members of Galway County Council on a regular basis to receive updates on the progress of the development.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was requested by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. This has been completed, and a full demonstration took place in mid-September, with the skippers of the key relevant vessels in attendance.
That data has now been compiled, along with the feedback received from the vessel operators who participated. It is my understanding that Galway County Council will soon start preparing a draft business case, based on the findings and data from the model simulation, to be presented to officials from my department.
Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.
In relation to meeting with stakeholders, officials from my Department would be available to attend any meeting that is arranged between island stakeholders and the relevant Local Authority to discuss the issues raised by the Deputy. Requests for such meetings should be addressed directly to Galway County Council.
