Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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849. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the efforts that were made to keep a café in Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc; the plans to ensure a café can be placed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44396/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Visitor Centre at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Conamara, includes a café kitchen along with a seating area for patrons of the café.

The previous concessionaire unfortunately decided to cease operations at the centre on the 1st July.

A concession competition has commenced to secure a new café concessionaire. Expressions of Interest were sought through social media and a newspaper. The concession was advertised in The Connaught Tribune on Thursday 17 July, was promoted on all social media platforms and on Radio Na Gaeltachta.

The concession is advertised as a contract for the remainder of 2025 with the possibility of two further extensions. The closing date for responses is 31 July 2025 at 12 noon and, to date, there have been several requests for information regarding the tender.

The Office of Public Works is hopeful that this process will yield a new café operator in due course.