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Island Communities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Ceisteanna (474)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

474. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will meet as a matter of urgency in the coming weeks with a delegation from Inis Meáin and with local representatives to discuss their concerns with the slow progress being made with the development of An Caladh Mór in view of the ongoing serious safety concerns and constraints with the present arrangements for landing cargo on the island and other constraints relating to passenger services and fishing boats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10646/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Inis Meáin pier development is included in the National Development Plan. As the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council is the body responsible for development of stage three of the Caladh Mór pier development. Users of the pier, including a number of State subsidised ferry operators, have highlighted issues with capacity within the harbour, as well as with currents around the mouth of the harbour.

Officials from my Department and from Galway County Council met with the local committee from Inis Meáin on Friday 18th February to discuss the progress to date and to update them on the next steps of this development. Galway County Council provided a clear step by step guide of how this development will progress, along with estimated timelines for the current stage of the project. This involves a further marine survey that will feed into the development of a model simulation of the harbour by the National Marine College of Ireland.

The other issues raised by the Deputy were also discussed at the meeting. It was agreed to convene a further meeting with the group in a number of months in order to update them on the progress of the project.

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