Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1395. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what engagement her Department has had with Galway County Council in 2023 with regard to dredging works at Céibh an Chóra on Inis Meáin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27784/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of piers on Inis Meáin.
The cargo service to Inis Meáin diverts to Céibh a' Chóra whenever it is not safe for it to berth at Céibh an Chaladh Mór.
In recent years a sand bank has accumulated, from time to time, at the mouth of Céibh a' Chóra making berthing at that pier unsafe as well.
Galway County Council recently held a procurement competition in order to obtain the appropriate licences so that a long-term dredging schedule can be implemented to remove the sand when necessary.
I understand that the procurement process is now drawing to a close and that the Local Authority will soon be in a position to engage a contractor to obtain the foreshore and dumping at sea licences.
