Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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25. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made with the development of improved pier facilities on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62719/22]

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 on both developments.

With regards to progress on the Inis Oírr development, I understand that Galway County Council intends to publish a CPO notice and schedule in the coming days. Furthermore, Galway County Council has recently adopted new bye-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.

As for Inis Meáin, Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of Caladh Mór Pier. As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was requested by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. This has been completed, and a full demonstration took place in mid-September, with the skippers of the key relevant vessels in attendance.

That data has now been compiled, along with the feedback received from the vessel operators who participated. It is my understanding that Galway County Council will soon start preparing a draft business case, based on the findings and data from the model simulation, to be presented to officials from my Department. Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.