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

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 3 of the Caladh Mór pier development. Users of the pier, including several State-subsidised ferry operators, have highlighted issues with capacity within the harbour, as well as with currents around the mouth of the harbour.

As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland, NMCI, was instructed by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour which will inform the business case options for the development. Following feedback from the various parties who attended a demonstration of the model, the NMCI is furthering the development of the simulation. It is expected the updated simulation will give a more precise and accurate overview of how the conditions at the pier affect the specific key vessels that use it. Additional marine studies are also to be carried out in the harbour to gather further data and these will feed into the simulation.

Once the NMCI has completed its work, Galway County Council will incorporate the findings into its draft business case. Following on from this, the Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process in line with the public spending code and available funding. Approximately €14 million has been spent on the development of the pier to date and, at present, it is estimated that stage 3 will cost approximately €16.5 million.

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