Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
320. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 27 October 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; if her Department has received the draft business case to-date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62567/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands.
Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of Caladh Mór Pier on Inis Meáin, which is included in the National Development Plan.
Officials from my Department meet with members of Galway County Council on a regular basis to receive updates on the progress of the development.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was requested by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. This has been completed, and a full demonstration took place in mid-September, with the skippers of the key relevant vessels in attendance.
That data has now been compiled, along with the feedback received from the vessel operators who participated. It is my understanding that Galway County Council will soon start preparing a draft business case, based on the findings and data from the model simulation, to be presented to officials from my department.
Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.
