Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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130. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of Céibh an Chóra and an Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the timeline for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38298/25]

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 the piers on the Aran Islands, including Inis Meáin. In relation to the Deputy's query, my Department granted Galway County Council permission in December 2024 to proceed with the appointment of consulting engineers to develop the Business Case, including a Strategic Assessment, for Options for Marine Infrastructure Improvement on Inis Meáin. Indeed, in this regard Galway County Council has provided a progress update to my Department, following a recent meeting between representatives of the local authority and the independent consulting engineers.

I am advised that the stakeholder consultations have now been completed, and the consulting engineers reported that there was a very high level of participation from the island community on Inis Meáin.

I am also advised that the Strategic Assessment is at an advanced stage and that the long list of options is being analysed by the consulting engineers. Each of these models and options needs to be tested and assessed to find the best solution for improving the marine infrastructure on Inis Meáin, including that used by passenger and freight ferry services.

Representatives from my Department continue to meet with representatives of Galway County Council every month to get an update on the progress of the study and to ensure that this project proceeds as quickly as possible.

I understand that the consulting engineers are expected to complete their work later this year, following which a report will be provided to the Department for consideration as to the most beneficial development for the island's needs.