Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Offshore Islands

5:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the study on roll-on and roll-off transport services for the Aran Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20980/07]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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A report on the feasibility of providing roll-on roll-off transport services to the Aran Islands, The Aran Islands Ro-Ro Service Feasibility Study Report, was commissioned by my Department and can be accessed at its website at www.pobail.ie. The feasibility study was carried out by Saltire Management Ltd, a marine consultancy firm from Scotland, which has extensive experience in this sector. Amongst the main findings it was noted that:

the Aran Islands are well served in respect of passenger services;

the present cargo service is well run, given the available vessels and the constraints imposed by the island piers and it is generally approved of by island residents;

there is a strong case for the introduction of a restricted roll-on roll-off service carrying cargo, residents' cars and public service vehicles; and

such a service would be likely to bring economic and social advantages to the island communities. However, it would need to be properly managed in order to address the different requirements of each island, protect the environment and preserve the island way of life. The report includes detailed recommendations as to suitable options for establishing such a service. It also notes that it would not be possible to introduce a ro-ro service to all three islands in the immediate future as procurement of the required infrastructure and vessels would be a lengthy process.

The report will assist my Department in planning the further development of the Aran Islands and I look forward to consulting widely with the island communities and other interested parties in this regard. Any decisions in regard to the implementation of its recommendations will take account of the consultation process, the cost and effectiveness of existing passenger, cargo and air services to the Aran Islands and the level of funding available for the development of the islands in general.

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