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

I thank the Deputy. She is correct. Plans for phase 3 of the Caladh Mór pier in Inis Meáin were initially drafted in 2009. They involved an extension to the breakwater and the dredging of a substantial section of the harbour. The project then stalled. In 2019, Galway County Council began to amend the draft business case, in line with the public spending code, based on a template supplied by the Department.

Following further discussions with ferry operators in 2019, it was discovered by Galway County Council that the main problem for the ferries using the harbour related to the narrow entrance to the harbour and the dangerous swirling currents at that point, which forced vessels to accelerate too fast when entering the harbour, thereby presenting them with problems with stopping safely inside the harbour. In addition, there is an issue which impacts the cargo ferry, as the Deputy knows. On many occasions, there were large differences in the sea levels created by the swell which prevented the ferry from docking safely and forced vessels to travel to Inis Mór.

That is why we had to have simulations which, God knows, took long enough. We know that. They are now finished. My officials told me yesterday that the next step lies with Galway County Council, which is preparing a business case. The public service code sets out all of the different steps it has to take. It is updating the feasibility study based on the completion of the digital simulation. It is examining an assessment of options. Based on those findings, it will have to update the feasibility study.

Officials from my Department meet every fortnight with officials in Galway County Council. It now has work to do and the ball is clearly in its court. I will keep as much pressure as I can on it. This has gone on long enough. I reassure the Deputy that the money will be forthcoming when the plans are finally finished.

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