Galway Harbour Lodges Planning Application for Significant Port Extension

10th January 2014

#galwayharbour – The Galway Harbour Company will today lodge a planning application with An Bórd Pleanála to significantly expand its existing footprint.

Current Port capacity is seriously inadequate if it is to compete for, and win, new national and international business. Indeed, current facilities are no longer sufficient to meet the changing needs of its existing customers. The expansion of the Port will ensure the creation of a revitalised hub in the heart of Galway city, providing additional employment and enhancing the economic contribution being made by the Port to Galway city and its environs.

The Port of Galway is facing today's market challenges head on by developing an exciting expansion programme which will radically transform the way it operates. The 27 hectare extension project will be carried out over four stages, with construction on the first stage due to begin next year at a cost of €52 million. The remaining three stages of the expansion are due to be completed by the end of 2017.

In addition to the 252 people currently employed by the Port of Galway, 200 jobs will be created during the construction period, while the increased employment numbers post-development are expected to be in the order of 700/800 directly in the Port/Port Enterprise Park and offsite as a result of increased port traffic.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport's National Ports Policy 2013, seeks to provide a clear strategic direction for the Irish Ports sector by developing a number of 'Ports of Regional Significance'. These are Ports that serve an important regional purpose and/or specialised trades or maritime tourism. The proposed expansion at Galway Port will allow it to develop its potential as a significant infrastructural asset for Galway, the Western region and beyond.

According to Eamon Bradshaw, CEO, Galway Harbour Company, "the expansion of the Port is critically important for the economic future of the entire Western Region. This proposal envisages the creation of a marine facility capable of ensuring that Galway has a harbour infrastructure fit for the twenty first century."

Endorsing the proposal, President of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Jim Fennell said "the extension of Galway Port and the upgrading of Port facilities is a top priority for Galway Chamber and is key to the development of our city and the wider region."

Anthony Ryan, Galway City Business Association, also welcomed today's announcement, "we see the extension of the harbour as a key infrastructural development for Galway. The potential for business growth for the city is enormous and will represent a critical piece of infrastructure for the city going forward."

This is the key to its future survival as a vibrant economic entity, thereby securing the Port's strategic development for future generations to come. Further information regarding the plans to extend the Port of Galway is available atwww.galwayharbour.com

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Galway Port & Harbour

Galway Bay is a large bay on the west coast of Ireland, between County Galway in the province of Connacht to the north and the Burren in County Clare in the province of Munster to the south. Galway city and port is located on the northeast side of the bay. The bay is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) long and from 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) to 30 kilometres (19 miles) in breadth.

The Aran Islands are to the west across the entrance and there are numerous small islands within the bay.

Galway Port FAQs

How old is Galway port?

Galway was founded in the 13th century by the de Burgo family, and became an important seaport with sailing ships bearing wine imports and exports of fish, hides and wool.

How old is Galway bay?

Not as old as previously thought. Galway bay was once a series of lagoons, known as Loch Lurgan, plied by people in log canoes. Ancient tree stumps exposed by storms in 2010 have been dated back about 7,500 years.

What is the tonnage of the port?

It is about 660,000 tonnes as it is a tidal port.

Who is the harbourmaster of Galway port?

Capt Brian Sheridan, who succeeded his late father, Capt Frank Sheridan

When are the lock gates open?

The dock gates open approximately two hours before high water and close at high water subject to ship movements on each tide.

What's the biggest ship that can 'fit' in the harbour?

The typical ship sizes are in the region of 4,000 to 6,000 tonnes

Is renewable energy generating a lot of business for Galway port?

Turbines for about 14 wind projects have been imported in recent years, but the tonnage of these cargoes is light. A European industry report calculates that each turbine generates €10 million in locally generated revenue during construction and logistics/transport.

Is Galway a European cable location?

Yes, Iceland has selected Galway as European landing location for international telecommunications cables. Farice, a company wholly owned by the Icelandic Government, currently owns and operates two submarine cables linking Iceland to Northern Europe.

What's the update on the Galway port expansion plans?

It is "very much a live project", Harbourmaster Capt Sheridan says, and the Port of Galway board is "awaiting the outcome of a Bord Pleanála determination", he says.

Where does all the scrap go at Galway Port?

90% of the scrap steel is exported to Spain with the balance being shipped to Portugal. Since the pandemic, scrap steel is shipped to the Liverpool where it is either transhipped to larger ships bound for China.

Why is Galway Port exporting silage and the Irish farmers are crying out for it?

It might look like silage, but in fact, its bales domestic and municipal waste, exported to Denmark where the waste is incinerated, and the heat is used in district heating of homes and schools. It is called RDF or Refuse Derived Fuel and has been exported out of Galway since 2013.

When is the new ferry starting service from Galway?

The new ferry is arriving at Galway Bay onboard the cargo ship SVENJA. The vessel is currently on passage to Belem, Brazil before making her way across the Atlantic to Galway.

Is the Volvo Ocean Race coming back to Galway?

Two Volvo round world races have selected Galway for the prestigious yacht race route. Some 10,000 people welcomed the boats in during its first stopover in 2009, when a festival was marked by stunning weather. It was also selected for the race finish in 2012. The Volvo has changed its name and is now known as the "Ocean Race". Capt Sheridan says that once port expansion and the re-urbanisation of the docklands is complete, the port will welcome the "ocean race, Clipper race, Tall Ships race, Small Ships Regatta and maybe the America's Cup right into the city centre...".

When is Seafest coming back to Galway?

The pandemic was the reason why Seafest did not go ahead in Cork in 2020. Galway will welcome Seafest back after it calls to Waterford and Limerick, thus having been to all the Port cities.