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At the sod-turning ceremony at Cill Rónáin Port, Inis Mór, Árainn, Minister Éamon Ó Cuív emphasised the Government’s determination to continue with the infrastructure programme as set out under the National Development Plan and to ensure that major or significant projects for peripheral communities will go ahead as planned.   At €40m, the port project on Inis Mór, which was announced last July, is the single biggest investment in the islands in the country’s history.  

“I am delighted to be here today at the sod-turning of such a landmark project.   The scale of these works on Inis Mór, Árainn, demonstrates the importance of our islands in a national context.  It is also a clear indication of our commitment to levelling the playing field throughout the country by providing the necessary infrastructure to isolated areas.  This follows on the heels of the announcement of an airstrip in Clifden and on Inishbofin, major construction works on Inis Meáin, and the Western Rail Corridor moving ahead at full speed,” said the Minister.

The development of Cill Rónáin was planned in conjunction with Galway County Council and involves substantial works, including:

• a 550m breakwater
• the widening and upgrading of the pier to provide safe access for passengers
• dredging works to create a deep anchor bed
• specific cargo facilities
• a new lifeboat station, and
• a covered walkway and parking facilities.
• Cathy Ní Ghoill, Manager of Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, welcomed the start of construction at the harbour site.  “For many years, we have been struggling with inadequate facilities on the island,” she said.  “This development will make a huge difference to islanders, both in terms of convenience and to the island economy, as it will cater for passengers, cargo and fishing use.”

Minister Ó Cuív also officially opened the fuel distribution station and recycling centre on the island.  The station is operated by Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo. in conjunction with Top Oil, and is the only public card-operated facility of its kind in Ireland.

“We are all aware of the challenges posed by climate change, and the need to find more sustainable energy sources and practices,” said the Minister. “My Department has been working closely with SEI over the past year and Terms of Reference have been drafted for a major energy needs survey of the islands, using the Aran Islands as a pilot, aimed eventually at developing strategies that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  I was pleased to fund an electric minibus on Inis Oírr recently, and I am delighted to open this facility here today.  The station provides the islanders with diesel at present and I believe that one tank has been earmarked for biofuels, for when they become commercially viable on the island.”