Project Updates – June 26, 2008
The biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken on an Irish island got under way earlier this week.
At a cost of €40m, the redevelopment of the port on Inis Mor – the largest of the three Aran Islands – is also the biggest single project ever funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
It is the equivalent of €50,000 per head of population on the island.
The Irish Independent newspaper said Inis Mor is the largest of the country’s populated offshore islands, with 824 people living there. At the height of the tourist season, the population is multiplied several times over.
“The re-development of the port, planned in conjunction with Galway County Council, involves the construction of a 550m breakwater; widening and upgrading of the pier; dredging works to create a deep anchor bed; new cargo facilities; a new lifeboat station, a walkway and parking facilities,” said the report.