John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

In 2000, the Department commissioned O'Hare and Associates to carry out an assessment of the capability of the existing infrastructure and onshore facilities at Ros a'Mhíl fishery harbour centre to service safely and efficiently the existing and future requirements of the fishing industry and other potential sources of commercial traffic.

The thrust of the report recommended a phased development. Phase one of the development entailed the provision of dedicated ferry berths in an area of the inner harbour dredged to 3.6 meters and a small craft harbour in the same dredge area. Phase 2 involved the provision of a deep-water berth, with facilities for vessels up to eight metres draught. The report went on to recommend further phased developments.

This Department appointed consulting engineers to the project in July 2001 and they estimated the total cost of the development at €30 million. In 2004, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs agreed to co-fund phase one of the development. The dredging of the inner harbour and the dredging for the small boat facility is now complete at a cost of €5.1 million. This amount does not include any sum to cover the contractor's claim for additional fees.

Planning permission was sought and obtained for the overall development in 2002 and all statutory permits are in place. Amendments subsequently made to the development were submitted to Galway County Council for planning approval. Planning permission has been received for amendments to the layout of the inner harbour entailing construction of a rock spoil breakwater and shore access area. Currently, amendments to the proposed layout of the ferry berth pontoons and the configuration of the proposed deep-water quay are with Galway County Council for approval.

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