Vol. 462 No. 5
43 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the recommendations, if any, of the independent study of the ferry services between Rossaveal, County Galway and the Aran Islands; whether these recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4984/96]
An independent study of the Rossaveal to Aran Islands passenger ferry service, commissioned by my Department, was completed in August 1995. The Rossaveal study has, however, been overtaken by the publication of the report of the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development.
In view of the fundamental changes suggested by that committee in its report to Government, I decided to continue with the existing annual subsidy arrangements for the passenger ferry service from Rossaveal in 1996. Following a tender competition, a contract has been awarded to Island Ferries Teo. for the 1996 service. The Rossaveal study has been made available to the interdepartmental committee for use in its on-going work on island development.
