Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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739. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to the deep dissatisfaction on Clare Island in relation to the proposed ferry contract both in regard to the level of service proposed and the scoring system proposed for the tender competition; if she is willing to meet a delegation from the island as a matter of urgency to discuss this matter and if necessary subsequently to re-tender the contract; if not, if she will to make arrangements for senior officials to meet the islanders instead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26284/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In line with my Department's standard practice with any contract renewal, the community on Clare Island were consulted in advance of publication of the tender in question and a series of requests were made by the community. My officials reviewed all of the requests, and did respond to the community regarding same prior to the publication of the Request for Tender (RFT). The RFT was adjusted to take account of many of the issues raised by the community. Amendments made included adjustments to the marking scheme and the service to be provided.

In line with all RFTs issued by this Department for ferry services, the frequency of sailings requested is a minimum acceptable number. Prospective operators are encouraged to include additional sailings and services above the stated minimum required, and commonly do so.

Any comment on potential changes to the service would be pre-emptive given the fact that the tender process is still underway. However my officials have contacted the Clare Island Development Company to clarify any queries in respect of the approach taken by the Department when tendering for such services.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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740. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to visit Clare Island in the near future to see at first hand the challenges facing the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am very aware of the challenges faced by island communities. The Government’s new policy for rural development, Our Rural Future, commits to investing in critical infrastructure throughout rural Ireland, including our offshore islands.

Subject to my diary schedule over the coming months and considering any public health restrictions that may be in place, I intend to visit as many of our island communities as possible including Clare Island.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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741. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to build an all-weather pier at Roonagh pier which acts as a mainland port for ferries to islands off the coast in view of the number of sailings each year that cannot land at the pier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26286/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is a strategic objective of my Department to develop and implement various initiatives and measures to support the social, cultural and economic development of the inhabited offshore islands to ensure that they survive as viable communities.  

The provision of safe and regular access by sea is crucial for the maintenance of those island communities. I am aware of the challenges posed by weather conditions at Roonagh Pier and my Department is investigating how best to address the issue.

My Department has allocated funding to Mayo County Council for refurbishment works on the pier this year and has also provided funding to Mayo County Council to prepare a strategic development plan for the piers on Inishturk and Clare Island as well as Roonagh Pier. In the case of Roonagh Pier, my Department has recommended a high level study on ways to shelter the pier and/or to examine other sites that could be developed to serve the islands.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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742. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the daily number of Department contracted sailings to islands (details supplied); the reason for the differences in the frequency of services to different islands and the factors used to arrive at this frequency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26287/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Ensuring that island communities have access to reliable transport services is a core objective of my Department. A subsidy is paid to attract operators to provide a service where it may not otherwise be viable for them to do so. While the subsidy will assist with operating costs and to establish a transport service, operators are encouraged to develop the service further.

The number of subsidised services varies from island to island, contingent on the location of the island, the access to services - schools, shops and other services on the island - the number of passengers / tourists etc. I will provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of subsidised services to those islands detailed by him under separate cover.