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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter again. As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands, including on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. There are regular meetings between officials from my Department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on both these islands. The last meeting was held earlier this week on Tuesday, 18 June, and the next meeting is scheduled for 16 July.

The Deputy will recall that I gave approval to Galway County Council in July 2023 to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is, therefore, responsible for all aspects of the procurement process. I am advised that Galway County Council has extended the closing date for receipt of stage 2 tender responses by four weeks, to mid-August. The assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses will be carried out by Galway County Council and should take approximately two months. Subject to the successful completion of this procurement process, it is expected that a contractor will be appointed later this year.

Regarding pier developments on Inis Meáin, my Department recently gave approval to Galway County Council to proceed to tender for the appointment of consultant engineers to develop the preliminary business case, incorporating a strategic assessment, for marine infrastructure improvement options at Inis Meáin. The draft tender document prepared by Galway County Council was discussed at the meeting held this week and is expected to be published on eTenders next month.

My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultants to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process. My Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure these projects are progressed as quickly as possible.

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