Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. I have good news this morning. I am pleased to advise that the transfer of land on which the Inishbofin airstrip is situated has been completed as of today.

The Deputy will recall that these lands were acquired by Galway County Council by way of compulsory purchase order, which was originally initiated over 20 years ago. The Chief State Solicitor's office has been acting on behalf of the Department and has advised that the transfer of lands to my Department is due to be concluded. It is concluded - I am sorry, I am working on yesterday's notes but I got news this morning that it was done.

Regarding the part of the site that is intended for use by the HSE for a primary care centre, the CSSO has also advised that contracts and maps were sent to the HSE's solicitors on 16 August. This contract could not be completed until the lands were transferred to my Department. We will shortly proceed to complete this onward transfer to the HSE and I am advised that this is expected to take place in November.

Officials from my Department visited the island last month, met with representatives of Inishbofin Development Company and also inspected the airstrip lands, including the area to be transferred to the HSE for the health centre.

Work has also been taking place at the airstrip over the past few weeks to complete the installation of permanent helipad lighting. I understand the ESB is due to connect the power to the lights in the next week or so.

This will ensure the coastguard can conduct air medical evacuations all year round. If the Deputy is interested, and I am sure she is, I can give her some updates on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin piers in follow-up replies.

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