Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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92. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an update will be provided on the plans her Department has to address problems with the sandblocks at Céibh an Chóra, Inis Meáin, which are known to interfere with the freight service, especially during summer months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18036/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of infrastructure on the Aran islands, including Céibh an Chóra in Inis Meáin.

Galway County Council has been in contact with my Department and a meeting was held between officials from my Department and Galway County Council on 29 March 2022 to discuss various issues, including the issue the Deputy has highlighted.

In order to remove any material from the area around the pier, Galway County Council need to obtain a foreshore licence. They have been advised that a number of marine studies will need to be carried out as part of the licence application for dredging at the site.

I understand that Galway County Council will now undertake the required procurement process for these studies before making an application for funding to the Department.