Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
2105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 13 June 2023, for an update on the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; if her Department has received the updated draft business case and strategic assessment to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39224/23]
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 An Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin. The most recent meeting was held on 5 September.
In line with the Public Spending Code, Galway County Council submitted an initial draft of the strategic assessment to my Department in the past week, and it is currently being reviewed.
This draft strategic assessment is 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.
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.
