Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2697 of the 23 July 2024, for an update on the status of the development of Inis Oírr pier: if the contractor has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40480/24]

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 on Inis Oírr.

There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Tuesday 24 September, and the next meeting is scheduled for 22 October.

The Deputy will recall that I gave approval to Galway County Council in July 2023 to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.

As advised in July, the closing date for receipt of Stage 2 tenders was 23 August. Galway County Council is currently carrying out the assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses.

Subject to the successful completion of tender evaluation process and identification of a preferred bidder, Galway County Council must then update and submit the Final Business Case for the project to my Department for review, seeking my approval to proceed to award the contract in accordance with the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines.

I understand Galway County Council is working on the Final Business Case with a view to submitting it to my Department next month.

My Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure this project is progressed without delay.