Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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103. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 31 May 2022, the status of the development of the pier on Inis Oírr; the status of works to update the environmental reports to the required standard; the expected timeline for the completion of these works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45152/22]

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 pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands. A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department, Galway County Council and the Consulting Engineers meets regularly to monitor progress.

Earlier this year Galway County Council sought quotations from environmental consultancies to carry out a Gap Analysis Study. This was to review the environmental information available and to compile recommendations for the extent of further studies required which would form a part of the supporting materials for the Foreshore Licence.

The Gap Analysis study has been completed and submitted to my Department. The consultancy firm is compiling a list of required works that will need to be undertaken to update the environmental reports to the standard required. Additionally, Galway County Council is in regular contact with the Foreshore Unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and they have agreed to assist the local authority with mapping the area where the licence will apply.

Galway County Council has recently adopted new by-laws, which have come into effect for the duration of the pier’s development and hopes to recruit a harbour master in the coming months.

Galway County Council has also informed us that it plans to meet with island representatives in the next 2-3 weeks to discuss concerns around traffic, trading and the by-laws when the work is taking place on the pier.