The Port of Galway has made a pitch for the location of a proposed new west coast base for the Naval Service.
Two additional bases were suggested in the State’s first national maritime security strategy, published last week.
Dun Laoghaire has been named as one possible east coast base, while the second could be in the west or north-west – as in Galway, Ros-a-Mhíl in south Connemara or Killybegs, Co Donegal.
In a statement, the Port of Galway said that the proposed expansion of its harbour – still awaiting planning approval – would give it the capability and facilities to accommodate the new naval base.
It said that Naval Service personnel and their families “would benefit from a vibrant urban environment, offering high quality schools, third-level education, healthcare, cultural amenities and a strong sense of community”, if Galway was selected.
Capt Brian Sheridan, Port of Galway harbourmaster Photo: John Walsh
Capt Brian Sheridan, Port of Galway harbourmaster, said that "Ireland's and European sovereignty is anchored on its quay walls".
"By investing in our ports, we protect the communities, commerce and infrastructure that stand behind them," he said.
"A Naval Service presence in Galway would represent a practical step towards meeting our maritime responsibilities," he said.
Galway’s planning application for a deepwater port capable of taking larger vessels was lodged with An Bord Pleanála over a decade ago on January 10th, 2014.
It was submitted through the Strategic Infrastructure Act under the Habitats Directive, known as IROPI (Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest).
The development involves reclaiming almost 24 hectares (60 acres) of land, largely in an area of Galway Bay designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
Under IROPI, a derogation to the Habitats Directive may be allowed where “compensatory measures” are secured to ensure that the overall coherence of the network of European sites is maintained.
If approved, the development would consist of berthing facilities for general cargo vessels, oil tankers, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and container vessels.
A western marina would provide 216 amenity berths.
The development would also contain roll on/roll off facilities and berths for naval/research vessels, the port said, while breakwaters would be built to provide requisite shelter and craft stability when berthed.
An oral hearing was held over two days in January 2015, where submissions from individuals and organisations were heard.
In September of that year, An Bord Pleanala asked for details on how it would compensate for the negative impact the development would have on Galway Bay Special Area of Conservation.
The board, now An Coimisiún Pleanala, has asked for further details on several occasions since.
In December 2024, a public consultation opened on details of another round of further information submitted, including updates to the environmental impact statement and Natura impact statement accompanying the application.
