I will not delay the Minister. I will give her a chance to give me a very comprehensive answer. In the past ten years, what progress has been made on the whole issue of piers on islands? They are the equivalent of roads on the mainland and are the only way of getting from one place to another.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As the Deputy will be aware, access between the islands and the mainland is the most fundamental requirement for those living on our offshore islands and is a lifeline for island communities. Access impacts on every aspect of island life, including health and welfare services, education, employment, social and family life and business. Affordable, frequent and safe transport services by both sea and air, as well as safe piers and airstrips, are vital to island communities. They provide links to the mainland without which islanders could not survive. Cargo services are also essential, bringing supplies to the islands, as well as transporting commercial products from the islands to markets on the mainland and beyond.

Physical connectivity to the mainland depends on the availability of safe harbours both on the islands and on the mainland. Notable improvements have been made over the years through State investment in major pier construction projects, though work is needed on other piers over the coming years. The Government has given a commitment in Our Living Islands, the national islands policy and action plan which I launched this summer, to continue to invest in piers serving our islands. This consists of the priority major infrastructure projects funded through the national development plan, which includes pier developments on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin, County Galway, and at Machaire Rabhartaigh, County Donegal, serving Toraigh.

In addition, my Department will continue to fund an annual programme of minor capital works on the islands to be delivered in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This work programme includes, among many other works, investment in piers and repairs to slipways. We have given almost €7.7 million to local authorities for repairing and upgrading 26 piers on or serving our islands over the past ten years. Details in relation to the breakdown of this funding will be provided to the Deputy on the Dáil record.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Piers that have been upgraded with funding from the Department over the past ten years:

Donegal: Inis Oirthir; Toraigh; Machaire Rabhartaigh; Árainn Mhór; Island Roy; Gabhla.

Mayo: Inishturk; Doran’s Point; Clare Island; Roonagh; Inis Bigil; Inishlyre; Inish More; Ballycroy; Newport; Kildavnet; Cé Bheag.

Galway: Inis Mór Árainn; Inis Meáin; Inis Oírr.

Cork: Sherkin; Heir Island; Cléire; Bere Island; Dursey; Long Island.

Very briefly, can the Minister tell me exactly when we are going to get the contract signed for Inis Oírr? A detailed study was done with huge delay, and presumably quite considerable costs, by the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork regarding Inis Meáin.

Will the Minister give an update on the outcome of that study and where we are in progressing piers in Inis Meáin. The Minister mentioned Machaire Rabhartaigh. Will she give an update on the position of that? Finally, I notice Roonagh pier is not mentioned. It is highly dangerous and needs major investment. It serves both Inisturk and Clare Island. Something urgently needs to be done there before someone loses their life.

Regarding Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, in July 2023 I gave approval to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier and Galway County Council is currently undertaking the process. I am determined it will be completed and that we will be in position to appoint a contractor in the first half of 2024. It is my understanding that officials from Galway County Council are preparing the necessary documents to appoint consultants to assist in preparing a preliminary business case. This is required under the public spending code in order to look at all possible options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin. My Department and Galway County Council, which meet every fortnight, agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultants who are appointed to ensure the entire community has input into the process. I assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to engage with the local authority to ensure the process is progressed as quickly as possible.

As part of the review of the national development plan, the island strategy will not be found wanting. I know it has taken some time, but I am committed to moving it on as quickly as we can because a lot of work was done. I am glad we have eventually reached this stage, but we need to move it on. I accept that.