Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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960. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of Inis Oírr pier; if his Department has received the final business case from Galway County Council; when approval will be given; when works are expected to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33606/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is responsible for the maintenance and development of piers on the Aran Islands, including Inis Oírr.

Regarding the development of the pier at Inis Oírr, Galway County Council is the sponsoring agency and contracting authority, and as such, it is responsible for the business case and every aspect of the procurement process.

Galway County Council submitted the Final Business Case for the pier at Inis Oírr to my Department at the end of March, seeking permission to proceed with the project. This is equivalent to a decision at Phase 3 as outlined in the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines.

This is a significant proposal, not only for Inis Oírr but also for my Department as an Authorising Authority. Therefore, we must be satisfied that the Final Business Case meets the necessary standard and that the proposed project demonstrates value for money and aligns with our objectives.

My Department is currently reviewing the Final Business Case. It is being checked in terms of the essential elements - not only the overall cost and affordability of the proposal, but also the benefits and risks associated with it.

I met with the Chief Executive of Galway County Council last week to discuss this important project and to seek clarification on some of the details within the business case, particularly regarding the costs provided and to ensure that all necessary elements are accounted for.

It is estimated that the construction phase for this project will take approximately two years to complete, which includes two summers on the island. Of course, this is subject to the approval of the business case and successfully concluding contracts with the preferred tenderer.

My Department is now working to complete the review of the business case with all appropriate care and attention, and I am advised that my officials will submit a recommendation to me as soon as possible.