Gaeltacht Island Project Secures €35.75M from €275B Fund

BREAKING: A Gaeltacht island project has just been announced as the first to receive funding from the newly reviewed €275 billion National Development Plan. In an urgent update, Gaeltacht Minister Dara Calleary and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers are currently traveling to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, to unveil a remarkable €35.75 million investment for vital infrastructure improvements.

The funding will be allocated for a major extension of the quay and breakwater, a critical development aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for island residents and tourists. The project includes the construction of a concrete pier extension and a breakwater designed to protect the harbor from waves and storms, while also increasing berthage space for vessels during the busy summer months.

Minister Calleary emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, “This investment in Inis Oirr will ensure safe year-round access for island residents and visitors alike, with better facilities for ferries.” He highlighted that this is the largest single project approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht since its inception in 2017.

Chambers underscored the government’s commitment to essential infrastructure, noting, “This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure across our country, including our islands and our Gaeltacht communities.”

Galway County Council will lead the project, with Ward and Burke Construction Ltd appointed to execute the pier construction after a rigorous two-year tendering process. This initiative not only promises to bolster tourism but also aims to support the community’s sustainability for generations to come.

As the funding rolls out, attention will turn to how this investment will transform the island’s infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The announcement today marks a significant step forward in the government’s infrastructure strategy, with expectations of more projects to follow under the revised National Development Plan.

Stay tuned for further updates as we follow this developing story!