Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on the development of a deep-water pier in Ros a’ Mhíl, Contae na Gaillimhe particularly with the projected rapid growth of the offshore renewable energy industry off the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I had the pleasure of visiting Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre last week where I had the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and see for myself the location of the proposed Deep-Water berthing project. Earlier this year I allocated €1.09million for capital works in Ros an Mhíl, of which €100,000 is to further explore the potential and benefits of a Deepwater Quay project and review the Wave Modelling studies carried out in 2002. The final reports of these studies are expected by the end of the year and will be important contributors to any future decision on funding such a project.
During my visit I also received a copy of a report commissioned by Údarás Na Gaeltachta which identifies Ros an Mhíl as a prime location for the development of a strategic hub to support the floating offshore wind sector. There is a broad context here of cross-cutting Government policies and I understand that Údarás will be taking this report forward with Minister Humphreys so that there can be a rounded consideration of the policy issues and investment needs raised.
Indeed, the Údarás report is very timely as last week I also received the Seafood Taskforce report which firmly places an emphasis on creating opportunities for Ireland’s fishing communities to offset the impact of the loss of access to UK waters through the Trade & Co-operation Agreement between the UK and the European Union.
That said, I am mindful that the primary role and function of the Fishery Harbour Centres is to support the seafood industry. Any future decision to formally initiate the Deepwater Quay project in Ros an Mhíl will have to reflect available Exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
