As 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 and Galway County Council meets regularly to monitor progress on the development of the piers on the Aran Islands, and held their most recent meeting last week.
It is my understanding that Galway County Council are preparing an updated draft business case and strategic assessment. This will be based on the findings and data from the model simulation carried out by the National Maritime College of Ireland, along with consideration of the various options.
As the Deputy is aware, the Public Spending Code sets out a number of important steps and decision gates in relation to projects such as this.
Once Galway County Council has completed this phase, the draft business case will be submitted to my Department for review in line with the Public Spending Code.
My officials are available to discuss this project with representatives from the island community.
