Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mar is eol don Teachta, is le Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe an t-údarás maidir le cúrsaí forbartha na gcalaí ar na hOileáin Árann, Inis Oírr ina measc. As the Deputy knows, there are regular meetings between officials from my Department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Wednesday, 12 March, and the next meeting is scheduled for 8 April.

With regard to the development of Inis Oírr Pier, Galway County Council is the contracting authority. It is responsible for all aspects of procurement. I understand that Galway County Council has formally completed the assessment and evaluation of all tender responses and a successful tenderer has been identified. Earlier this week, Galway County Council submitted the final business case to my Department, seeking approval to proceed with the project. This represents decision gate 3 as set out in the Government's infrastructure guidelines. The final case, which was received on Monday of this week, is now being reviewed by my Department. It will be checked for completeness in terms of the required elements, such as the overall cost and affordability of the proposal, and the benefits and risks associated with it.

I know the Deputy has worked very hard on this and she will appreciate that this is a significant project, ní hamháin le haghaidh mhuintir Inis Oírr ach le haghaidh mo Roinne freisin. Caithfimid a bheith láidir sa tuiscint go bhfuil gach rud ceart agus cóir. Therefore, we need to be satisfied that the final business case meets the required standard. I have asked my Department to complete the review with care and attention and bring a recommendation to me as quickly as possible. I will keep the Deputy totally informed on this.

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