Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1887. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the alternative arrangements that will be made to ensure that there is a suitable slipway in Ros a’Mhíl for the roll-on roll-off cargo ferry at the Oileáin Árann to use now that the present slipway will be decommissioned as part of the development of the deep water pier in Ros a’Mhíl, as the roll-on roll-off service is vital for the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that there is a cargo service to the Aran Islands using a roll-on roll-off cargo ferry operator which operates under contract with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This vessel had been using a slipway within Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre which will soon no longer be available as the area where this slipway is located will form part of the upcoming Deep Water Quay project.  The Deep Water Quay project has been a long time in development and enjoys huge local support. 

The impact of the Deep Water Quay project on the particular slipway has previously been explained to the company providing the cargo service.  As contractors for the project are now coming on site, I have asked my Department to work closely with affected stakeholders to communicate practical issues, such as this, which will arise.  

There are a number of other slipways in the region, both locally and further afield, that could replace the one that the operator is currently using and my Department is not aware of any reason why the operator would be unable to fulfil their contract in that regard.