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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As she is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands. A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets regularly to monitor progress on the development of the piers on the Aran Islands and held its most recent meeting earlier this week.

Regarding Inis Meáin, Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of the Caladh Mór pier. I confirm to the Deputy that my Department has not yet received the draft business case from Galway County Council. As the Deputy is aware, the public spending code sets out a number of important steps and decision gates regarding any business case.

As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland was requested by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. It has been completed and a full demonstration took place in September 2022, 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 an updated draft business case and strategic assessment. This will be based on the findings and data from the model simulation along with consideration of the various options. Once Galway County Council has completed this phase, the draft business case will be submitted to my Department for review and finalisation, in line with the public spending code.

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