Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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580. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the latest status of the projects for piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45761/24]

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 and Inis Meáin.

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 22 October, and the next meeting is scheduled for 19 November.

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.

Galway County Council is currently evaluating tenders and preparing the final business plan for submission to Department this month. Work is expected to commence in 2025.

With regards to Inis Meáin, my Department gave approval to Galway County Council in July to proceed to tender for the appointment of consultant engineers to develop the Preliminary Business Case, incorporating a Strategic Assessment, for Marine Infrastructure Improvement Options on the island.

Galway County Council is completing the tender evaluation for the appointment of consultant engineers to prepare the preliminary business plan, which is expected to commence in early 2025.

My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultant to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process.