Galway Bay fm newsroom – A major development on the pier in InisOirr – one of the three Aran Islands – is in jeopardy unless Galway County Council can find the funds to match the Department of the Environment’s projected expenditure on the project.
County Council management is concerned that a sum of up to €800,000 would be needed from its own resources for the InisOirr development.
The Atlantic waves can sometimes sweep over the pier wall in InisOirr, and a breakwater is badly needed.
Sand has also built up underwater nearby.
This can make InisO irr pier a difficult berthing area for passenger ferries and other craft; there six passenger boat trips from Doolin as well as the ferries from Rosaveal each day during the height of the summer season.
There is planning permission for a major development including an extension to the pier and other works.
The Department of the Environment has earmarked up to €8m for the project but Galway County Council expects that they would have to put up about 10%, that is €800,000 and Council management says this money is not available.
The Department has pencilled in next year and 2017 for the project but that depends on an arrangement with the Co Council.