Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the piers on islands and serving islands that are being progressed by her Department in tandem with local county councils towards design and construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3956/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, access between the islands and the mainland is the most fundamental requirement for those living on our offshore islands and is a lifeline for island communities. Access impacts on every aspect of island life, including health and welfare services, education, employment, social and family life, and business.
Affordable, frequent and safe transport services, by both sea and air, and safe piers and airstrips, are vital to island communities. They provide links to the mainland without which islanders could not survive. Cargo services are also essential, bringing supplies to the islands as well as transporting commercial products from the islands to markets on the mainland and beyond.
Physical connectivity to the mainland depends on the availability of safe harbours both on the islands and on the mainland. Notable improvements have been made over the years through State investment in major pier construction projects, though work is needed on other piers over the coming years.
The Government has given a commitment in Our Living Islands - the national islands policy and action plan which I launched last summer - to continue to invest in piers serving our islands.
This consists of the priority major infrastructure projects already identified in the National Development Plan, which includes pier developments on Inis Oírr and on Inis Meáin in Co. Galway and at Machaire Rabhartaigh, Co. Donegal serving Toraigh. All these projects are at varying stages of development.
Furthermore, my Department has provided funding to Mayo County Council to undertake preparation of a strategic development plan for the piers on Inishturk and Clare Island along with Roonagh Pier on the mainland. I understand preliminary discussions have also been held with Galway County Council regarding the Cleggan pier serving Inishbofin.
In addition, my Department will continue to fund an annual programme of minor capital works on the islands to be delivered in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This work programme includes, amongst many other works, investment in piers and repairs to slipways. The relevant Local Authorities have recently been invited to submit their funding applications under this programme for 2024, with the deadline in mid-February.
