Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 570: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to improve access to the island of Innishbiggle, County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39950/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of improving both the frequency and nature of access to the island of Inis Bigil, County Mayo has been addressed by my Department in recent years by way of significant current and capital investment. A daily ferry service which provides two return sailings per day between Inis Bigil and Doran's Point on the mainland and a connecting bus service to Ballycroy are subsidised by my Department. The cost of subventing these services in 2010 amounts to €36,859.

Improvements to piers on the island and the mainland have also been carried out with assistance from my Department. Between 2002 and 2010, more than €1.4m has been allocated to Mayo County Council to carry out improvement works on the piers at Gob na Dumhaí and Beal an Bhulláin on Inis Bigil and at Doran's Point and Dún Ibhir on the mainland. In relation to matters raised by the Deputy in 'the details supplied', my officials have had discussions with the island's community representatives in regard to those matters that come within the remit of my Department. Other matters referred to come within the statutory remit of other agencies. While recognising the constraints imposed by a 'details supplied' Question, I would be pleased to provide further clarification to the Deputy directly if he so wishes.