Almost €36 million has been committed to the development of a new pier on Inis Oírr, off Co Galway, which has been sought by the island community for almost two decades.
On Thursday, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers got first-hand experience of the need for the new dock after travelling to the small island by ferry from Rossaveal through rough seas.
Both arrived on Wednesday night and met islanders on Thursday to discuss other issues of concern, including water and housing, before announcing the National Development Plan funding of €35.75 million to a packed gathering at Coláiste Ghobnait.
Antoine Ó Coisdealbha, bainisteoir of Comhar Caomhán Teo, said it was a historic day for the islanders, who had sought a new pier for about 20 years, and he thanked all who had campaigned for it.
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The project will mean a “huge improvement” to island life and make it safer, he said.
The works will involve an extension to the existing pier, more space for vessels to be moored and construction of a breakwater to give better protection from waves and storm surges around the harbour area.
Access to the existing pier is sometimes compromised by weather and tidal conditions, while increased passenger numbers on ferries from Doolin, Co Clare, and Rossaveal, Co Galway, have added to safety concerns.
In 2017, Galway County Council was told to implement enhanced safety measures after a gangway came loose from a passenger ferry, causing two people to enter the water.
Earlier this week, tidal conditions led to a number of ferry sailings being cancelled, with some visitors left stranded on the island overnight.
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On Thursday, Mr Calleary told The Irish Times the funding package, the largest in the history of his department, reflected “a statement of intent on the part of the Government in relation to the future of the islands”.
The project meant “safety and certainty” for the islanders and for the 200,000 people who visited Inis Oírr annually, he said. “It will make this most beautiful place even more attractive.”
Mr Calleary pledged that his department would work closely with Galway County Council to make sure works were “done on budget and on time”. The completion date is in 2027.
This was his first visit to Inis Oírr and the difficult travelling conditions and discussions with residents provided an insight into the challenges of living on an island, he said.
Mr Chambers said the pier project was “a vital piece of infrastructure” for rural Ireland and for the island communities.
“It’s about future-proofing this island and giving them the critical transport infrastructure which unlocks so much more in terms of community development,” he said.
