Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 15 together.

It is a strategic objective of my Department to develop and implement various initiatives and measures to support the social, cultural and economic development of the inhabited offshore islands to ensure they survive as viable communities. The provision of safe and regular access by sea is crucial for the maintenance of those island communities. The development of the pier on Inis Oírr, which includes the provision of a breakwater, is listed among the strategic objectives set out in Project Ireland 2040. Additionally, a special allocation of €0.5 million was allocated under the Government's July stimulus package to upgrade harbour facilities at Inis Oírr. This additional funding will be reflected in my Department's Vote for 2020. Initial expenditure items will include engineering and surveying works on the development of a design and build tender. Department officials have been working closely with Galway County Council to advance the project and are in the process of agreeing the business case for the project as required under the public spending code. Once this has been completed and the necessary approvals are received at departmental level and from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and subject to the financial resources being available through the annual Estimates process, the project will then proceed to tender stage.

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