Minister of State Tony Killeen has welcomed the allocation of EUR60,602 by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs towards safety works at the main pier on Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands.The North Clare Fianna Fail T.D. commented: “The works at Cé an Chalaidh Mhóir include the installation of fenders, lighting, stairs and a railing along the edge of the pier. These works, once completed, will greatly enhance the safety of this pier for both islanders and visitors alike.”
Minister of State Killeen noted that the pier had been the subject of significant Government investment in recent years. He explained: “The works already carried out on this important piece of infrastructure include the dredging of a new berthing pool, the construction of a new pier, on-shore and off-shore break water, access road and parking facilities and the development of the harbour itself. The cost of the development came to almost EUR14m. The construction company, SIAC, won the Irish Concrete Society’s 2008 Infrastructural and Overall Award for Excellence for the sheltered harbour project.”
“The safety works scheduled to take place at Inis Meáin pier will have a hugely positive impact on the livelihoods of fishermen from the island, North Clare, Galway and the other Aran Islands. Furthermore, the works will ensure safer conditions for boat passengers travelling to and from Doolin, Rós a Mhíl and the two other islands”, Minister of State Killeen concluded.
