Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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1276. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to progress phase 3 of the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin. [53343/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council are the body responsible for development of stage three of the Caladh Mór pier development on Inis Meáin. Officials from my Department have been in ongoing contact with the relevant officials in the County Council to progress this development.

As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) have been developing a model simulation for the harbour on Inis Meáin, which will inform the Business Case options for the development. Progress with the model simulation was somewhat delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions however the NMCI were able to host a small group of islanders, ferry operators and officials at their facility in Ringaskiddy in July for a demonstration of the initial iteration of the marine simulation.

I understand from Department officials who viewed the simulation that it presents vessel operators with an extremely realistic experience of sea conditions and that it is expected to greatly assist in identifying development options for the pier.

Following feedback from the various parties who attended the demonstration, the NMCI are furthering the development of the simulation and there will be a further, more extensive demonstration held upon completion. Following this, further steps will be taken to progress this project.