Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources and Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Mayo South Seán Kyne visited the Aran Islands this week to meet with the co-operatives of each island regarding ferry services for the islands.
The Minister visited all three islands as part of a consultation process on the ferry services for the islands.
“Following the issues regarding ferry services to Inis Mór last winter I committed to examining in greater detail the transport services for all three islands. As part of this process my officials and I are today meeting with the community co-operatives from Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr.
“The meetings will provide a great opportunity for the communities on the islands to set out their views and needs in terms of ferry services including both passenger and cargo services.
“A Public Service Obligation contract is currently in place for Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr which expires at the end of this year. At present there is no PSO contract for Inis Mór.
“The meetings will also help my Department in establishing how best the support available from the Gaeltacht and Islands’ section of the Department can be put to use in helping to secure sustainable transport services for the islands,” he concluded.
