Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
319. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 27 October 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of the pier on Inis Oírr; the expected timeline for the updating of the environmental reports to the standard required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62566/22]
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. A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department, Galway County Council and the Consulting Engineers meets regularly to monitor progress.
Earlier this year Galway County Council sought quotations from environmental consultancies to carry out a Gap Analysis Study. This was to review the environmental information available and to compile recommendations for the extent of further studies required which would form a part of the supporting materials for the Foreshore Licence. The Gap Analysis study has been completed and submitted to my Department.
I understand that Galway County Council intend to publish a CPO notice and schedule in the coming days, which should expedite the process. The timeline for the next steps will be determined subject to completion of the CPO process.
In the meantime, Galway County Council has recently adopted new bye-laws, which have come into effect for the duration of the pier’s development, and hopes to recruit a harbour master in the coming months.
