Planning permission has been granted to extend the Port of Galway, almost 26 years after the idea was first proposed by harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan.
The port, which is restricted by tide, applied in 2014 for a €126m expansion – the cost is now estimated at €290 million.
The application included an offer to provide compensatory lands in return for loss of sensitive habitats during land reclamation under a derogation of the EU Habitats Directive, which allows projects to be built for "Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest". (IROPI).
The decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála involves 16 conditions relating to environmental factors, protection of archaeology and marine mammals.
The order was issued on the same day as approval for the Galway ring road, which may run through parts of the city and will involve the demolition of houses.
Galway Harbour Company has said it “warmly welcomes the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission”.
“This represents a major milestone in the long-term development of the harbour and in the economic future of Galway and the wider west of Ireland,” it has said.
“The approved extension will transform the capacity and capability of the port, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen maritime security while supporting the evolving needs of maritime trade,” it said.
“The project is a critical piece of infrastructure that will underpin sustainable regional economic growth, strengthen supply chains, and improve Ireland’s international connectivity,” it said.
Harbour company chairperson Maurice O’Gorman described is as” a landmark day for Galway Harbour Company and for the region”.
Capt Sheridan said that “from an operational and maritime perspective, this extension is transformative”.
He said the last time that Galway experienced a comparable period of transformation was when the port was first constructed in the mid 19th century and when the university was built and the railway extended.
“It will significantly enhance navigational access, allow us to safely accommodate larger and more modern vessels, improve overall port efficiency, and further strengthen maritime safety and security standards. Importantly, it enables us to future-proof the Port of Galway in line with evolving international shipping requirements,” Sheridan said.
Galway Harbour Company said it “acknowledges the constructive engagement of stakeholders throughout the planning process, including Galway City Council, government departments, local communities, and industry partners”.
“The company will now progress to the next phase of the project, including detailed design, procurement, and financing, in line with the relevant national infrastructure guidelines and governance requirements,”it said.
Barring a judicial review application of the planning decision, design and procurement is expected to take 24 months and construction around three years.
Funding is expected to come from a “blend” of instruments – the port is now eligible to apply for up to 30 per cent of total costs under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy.
