Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the land on which the Inishbofin airstrip is located is currently owned by Galway County Council. These lands were acquired by way of a Compulsory Purchase Order by Galway County Council on behalf of the Department. Part of the site is intended for eventual use by the HSE for a primary care centre.

The transfer of these lands to my Department has been an ongoing process for a number of years. I understand there were outstanding legal and mapping issues but these have now been resolved.

I am advised that officials from my Department are currently working with the Chief State Solicitors Office and Galway County Council on ensuring the final relevant legal processes are undertaken and completed in order to transfer the lands to my Department as soon as possible.

In the meantime, part of the airstrip is being used by the Coast Guard as a helipad in the event of medical emergency evacuations. To further assist with such emergency evacuations, it is planned to install permanent lighting for the helipad later this year.