Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 659 of 25 April 2023, for an update on the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the expected timeline for her Department to receive the updated draft business case and strategic assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27789/23]
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, including Inis Meáin.
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 including phase three of the Caladh Mór Pier. The most recent meeting was held two weeks ago.
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. In line with the Code, Galway County Council is currently preparing an updated draft business case and strategic assessment. This will be based on the findings and data obtained from the model simulation carried out by the National Maritime College of Ireland, along with consideration of the various options.
My understanding is that the main issue of concern relates to the narrow entrance to the pier that makes it difficult for vessels to enter the harbour safely during certain weather conditions.
Once Galway County Council has completed the strategic assessment and the updated draft business case, it will be submitted to my Department for review in line with the Public Spending Code.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for me or my Department to predict when these documents will be received from Galway County Council, but I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to engage with the local authority to ensure the project is progressed as quickly as possible.
