Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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7. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the progress in relation to repairs and works to be carried out on the piers for the Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8369/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the relevant Local Authorities are responsible for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on our offshore islands.

In County Galway, the Deputy will be familiar with the plans for the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin, which are included in the National Development Plan.

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. At a meeting with officials from my Department earlier this week, engineers from the Council advised that they are 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 Inis Meáin, the digital simulation of the current pier was completed last year. The next step will involve Galway County Council completing an updated feasibility study and strategic assessment of options, in line with the Public Spending Code. There are also plans to undertake dredging work at Cé an Chóra in Inis Meáin, and Galway County Council has applied for a Foreshore Licence and a Dumping at Sea Licence to undertake this work.

In Co. Donegal, there are plans for the redevelopment of Machaire Rabhartaigh (Magheraroarty) pier serving Toraigh and other islands. In 2022 my Department allocated funding for an environmental and marine study at Machaire Rabhartaigh Pier and work was also funded by my Department on the piers at Tory and Inishirrer.

In County Mayo, my Department allocated funding in 2022 for repairs and maintenance on Roonagh Pier, as well as funding a strategic development proposal for the Pier. Mayo County Council is currently finalising this proposal. My Department also funded work at Doran’s Point serving Inis Bigil in 2022.

Finally, in County Cork, my Department funded repair works at both Sherkin Pier and East Pier on Heir Island in 2022.