Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Éamon Ó Cuiv, accompanied by the Minister for Natural Resources Mr. Eamon Ryan, officially opened the Caladh Mór Sheltered Harbour Development on Inis Meáin on Monday 3rd November 2008.

(left-right): Mr. Darren McCormack (RPS), Minister Éamon Ó Cuiv,
Dr. Michael Shaw (RPS), Ms Sinéad Henry (RPS).

Representatives from Galway County Council, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, RPS, SIAC Construction Limited and Islanders from both neighbouring Islands and Inis Meáin were present for the ceremony.

Inis Meáin is the middle of the three Aran Islands, between Inis Mór and Inis Oirr and is home to approximately 200 Islanders

The €14M Caladh Mór Sheltered Harbour Development included the removal of approximately 34,000m³ of limestone rock to form a sheltered basin to a depth of -3.0m Chart Datum. A precast concrete caisson pier was constructed and protected with concrete armour units, increasing the berthing capacity of the Island. Also, a 125m long offshore breakwater was constructed to provide sheltered berthing facilities for those using the harbour. The new development provides an environmentally sustainable sheltered harbour for vessels and will encourage visitation by leisure craft, boosting tourism on the Island.

A particular feature of the works is the use of precast concrete armour units for the breakwater structures. The units used are of a new design (XBloc®), they are 9.6 tonnes in weight and were cast on Inis Meáin by the Islanders.

RPS was responsible for managing the project through its various stages including carrying out an EIS, full design, contract documentation and administration. RPS was the Lead Consultant on the project and supervised the project onsite.

Contact:
RPS Ireland
T: +44 (0)28 9066 7914