Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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630. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2105 of 11 September 2023, the expected timeline for the completion of the phase 3 development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41363/23]

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, including Inis Meáin.

A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets regularly to monitor progress on the development of the piers on the Aran Islands including on Inis Meáin. The most recent meeting was held last week.

It is my understanding that Galway County Council are preparing documents to appoint consultants to assist in preparing a Preliminary Business Case which will look at all possible options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin.

Key to this will be clear engagement with island representatives and ensuring that there is community input into the process. This follows on from discussions that officials from my Department have had with residents in of Inis Meáin. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to engage with the local authority to ensure the project is progressed as quickly as possible.