Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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152. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date with the dredging at Ros an Mhíl fishery harbour and the development of a deep-water pier there; when it is hoped to have a contractor on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60544/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I announced that the Government had approved the Deep-Water Quay Project in Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre in February this year.  The Deep-Water Quay project will provide an additional 200m of quayside and over 70% greater depth to accommodate larger fishing vessels and attract additional landings from both Irish and non-Irish fishing vessels. 

Our Fishery Harbour Centres are critical to the seafood industry and Ros an Mhíl is a clear example of how these facilities stimulate economic activity for the surrounding rural coastal communities. The potential for downstream development and jobs has been acknowledged by my Cabinet colleagues including Ministers Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers.  This project is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to addressing the impacts of Brexit on the sector and to a strong future for Ireland’s seafood primary producers. 

In April, my Department appointed a consultant to supervise and manage various elements of the project and in due course handover the completed construction works back to my Department.  Initially my Department was advised to procure dredging services separate to the civil works to deliver the quay.  However, the standalone dredging tender failed to attract any bidders.  A further tender competition combining the dredging and civil works was issued and ultimately had a closing date for submissions of 22 November.  My Department together with the appointed consultant are currently evaluating the submissions received.

Public procurement policy and regulations dictate the procedures for handling procurement matters and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that process.  While I cannot currently identify any date when construction works will begin, my Department is actively focused on advancing this part of the process.