The first steps towards providing a long-awaited cable car for the Mayo island of Inishbiggle have been taken by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Mr Ó Cuív has instructed Mayo County Council to prepare contract documents for the cable car, which will run between the island and the mainland.
Acknowledging "delays on the way", the Minister said he hoped everyone could work together to complete the project.
The development comes after a 20-year campaign by residents of Inishbiggle for the transport service, during which the island lost more than half its population and its primary school.
Most of the 40 residents are now elderly and depend on small craft to travel to and from the mainland, while groceries are delivered by currach from Achill.
Although Inishbiggle lies in the shadow of Achill, dangerous currents separate it from the larger island.
The Minister said his Department had spent more than €1,350,000 since 2002 on improving the quality of access to, and infrastructure on, the island.
This includes expenditure of €420,000 on a new slipway at Doran's Point on the mainland, and a total of €304,000 on a new slipway at Gob na Dumhai on the island.
Almost €80,000 has also been spent on a helipad.
Some €165,000 has also been expended on road improvements on the island, and to date €163,000 has been invested in developing the cable car project.
The Minister said he had asked his officials to begin discussions with Nasc Tuaithe Iorrais/Erris Rural Link on providing required funding to extend the ferry service between Gob na Dumhaí and Doran's Point and the accompanying bus service.