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

I thank Deputies Connolly and Ó Cuív. This issue relating to this pier is complex. We tried to do this before many years ago and we did not get it right. As a result, it is important that all of the necessary preparatory work is done so that we do get it right. It is early in this development process and a revised timeline for the project has yet to be agreed with Galway County Council. The timeline will be prepared in consultation with the engineers, and we will lay out the various development steps following agreement of the business plan with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Prior to construction, there are a number of pre-construction issues to be addressed. Deputy Ó Cuív is correct in his reference to foreshore licensing, planning, environmental and marine surveys and the tendering process. Accordingly, based on the previous harbour development, it may be that, following approval of the project, actual construction may not commence until year 2.

We are having fortnightly meetings with Galway County Council and are keeping the pressure on. I know this has been going on for a long time. I have visited the pier and I am committed to working with the Deputies to try to move this on as quickly as we can. However, the matter is complex. The currents at the entrance to the harbour are making it difficult to get it right. That is the position.

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