Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Connolly also for raising this issue. As the Deputy is aware, the land on which the Inishbofin airstrip is located is currently owned by Galway County Council. These lands were acquired by way of a compulsory purchase order, CPO, by Galway County Council on behalf of the Department. Part of the site is intended for use by the HSE for a primary care centre. The transfer of these lands to my Department has been an ongoing process for a number of years and I appreciate the Deputy’s frustration with the prolonged nature of the transfer.

Officials from my Department met with the Chief State Solicitor's office again last week in an effort to finalise the matter. The Chief State Solicitor's office has set a target of six weeks for the completion of the transfer. This is subject to the full engagement and co-operation of solicitors on behalf of Galway County Council in finalising the matter as soon as possible.

As previously advised, I understand there were outstanding legal and mapping issues, including a recent request from Uisce Éireann in this regard, but I understand all outstanding matters have now been resolved. I understand the Chief State Solicitor's office also has engaged recently with solicitors for the HSE in order to progress the onward transfer of a portion of the site for development of a healthcare centre.

In the meantime, part of the airstrip is being used by the Coast Guard as a helipad in the event of medical emergency evacuations. To further assist with such emergency evacuations, my Department is preparing to issue a request for tender shortly for the provision of permanent lighting and associated works at the helipad. It is expected this work will be completed later this year and will be fully operational in time for the winter.

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