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

I visited the pier at Caladh Mór and saw the issues there. People tried to fix it years ago but trying to find the right solution has been difficult. We have gone through a long process. I am happy to try to do what I can on my side but Galway County Council also has a responsibility. My officials and Galway County Council officials continue to liaise and meet regularly on this matter. Both sets of officials are cognisant of the concerns of the residents of Inis Meáin.

My Department has given the go-ahead to the county council to proceed to tender to develop the preliminary business case. This includes the strategic assessment to look at all possible options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin. The process must be completed in accordance with the Government's infrastructure guidelines and public expenditure requirements published in December 2023. I understand that the draft tender documents were reviewed by officials from my Department and Galway County Council earlier this week. The request for tender is due to be published on eTenders in July. I expect that consultants could be appointed and start work on this by the end of the year.

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