Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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330. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will meet with representatives for the island of Inis Meáin, Contae na Gaillimhe as a matter of urgency to discuss their concerns regarding the proposed development of the pier on the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45334/22]

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. The Development of Caladh Mór Pier on Inis Meáin is included in the National Development Plan and Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of this project.

Officials from my Department and Galway County Council met with the local committee on 18 February 2022 to discuss the progress to date, along with the next steps in the development plan. It was agreed at this meeting that a further meeting would be convened when the project advanced to the next stage.

As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was instructed by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour.

My Department has been advised that a demonstration of this model simulation is scheduled to take place at the NMCI this week, with the skippers of the relevant vessels in attendance to provide feedback.

I understand that Galway County Council extended an invitation to representatives from the island community to attend this demonstration.

Once the data from the simulation has been compiled, along with any feedback received from the vessel operators, Galway County Council will incorporate the findings into a draft business case. Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.

At this point my Department will, as previously agreed, arrange another meeting with the local committee and Galway County Council.