Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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805. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new Tory Island Ferry will be commissioned and will be in operation to allow for safe and reliable service to and from the Island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49723/22]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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806. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the new Tory Island Ferry which is being commissioned will allow for dignified access to the ferry for persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility using a ramp or similar without the need for a hoist or other mechanical aids to access the ferry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49724/22]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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807. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be made available for piers on some of the islands off the coast of County Donegal, to provide for infrastructure such as ramps and so on, which will allow persons using wheelchairs and who have limited mobility to access the Islands with dignity using such piers given that roads have been improved on some of the Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49743/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 805, 806 and 807 together.

It is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands.

My Department currently manages a large suite of transport contracts that provide safe, reliable and affordable year-round connectivity to the mainland for island residents and visitors. All vessels used in the delivery of the subsidised services must adhere to strict Marine Survey Office (MSO) regulations and must, at all times, be properly certified to ensure passenger safety.

I am very aware of the challenges facing those of reduced mobility when using our subsidised transport services. My Department requires operators of subsidised transport services to make suitable arrangements for the safe boarding and disembarking of all passengers, including those with disabilities or of reduced mobility, as per the Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transportissued by the Department of Transport and the National Disability Authority.

The development of quayside infrastructure, on the mainland and the islands, to cater for transport services users, including those of reduced mobility, falls under the remit of the relevant local authorities. They are also responsible for installing slipways, pontoons and quayside lifts so that users can board and alight from passenger boats in a safe and dignified manner.

My Department operates an annual capital funding programme to enable the relevant local authorities to carry out minor capital works on the offshore islands and develop key infrastructure such as piers on the islands and mainland to support the sustainability of our island communities.

Earlier this year, I approved capital funding of €101,844 to Donegal County Council to carry out an environmental and marine study at Machaire Rabhartaigh pier, as part of the scoping works for developments that could be undertaken at the pier.

Machaire Rabhartaigh is the mainland pier that services Toraigh, and any development works to the pier would affect the type of boat that would be able to operate effectively to the island. My Department will continue to engage with the local authority and assess the situation regarding the provision of a new ferry when there is more clarity in relation to the development works at the pier.