Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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66. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to date in improving the pier facilities in Inis Oírr and at an Caladh Mór, Inis Meáin; the next steps in progressing each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9175/23]

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 the work being undertaken.

With regards to Inis Oírr, Galway County Council published the Compulsory Purchase Order for the land required for construction of the pier in December 2022 and submitted it to An Bord Pleanála. The last date for submissions in relation to this CPO was 13th February 2023.

As the most recent meeting of the steering committee, held earlier this week, Galway County Council advised my Department that it had not received any submissions in the specified time period up to last week.

The decision of An Bord Pleanála in respect of the CPO would be expected by mid-April based on normal processing timelines, but this is subject to extension. In the absence of any objections, it is hoped that approval will be given to the confirmation of the CPO.

In the meantime, Galway County Council is currently finalising the documents for the construction tender with a view to their being ready for publication as soon as possible once the CPO is confirmed.

As for An Caladh Mór, Inis Meáin, Galway County Council is responsible for the development of the next stage. 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 September 2022, 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 an updated draft business case and strategic assessment. This will be based on the findings and data from the model simulation, along with consideration of the various options.

Once Galway County Council has completed this phase, the business case will be submitted to my Department for review in accordance with the Public Spending Code.