The Port of Galway tonight (Wednesday ) welcomed the completion of a Statement of Case by An Bord Pleanála for consideration by the Minister in respect of the Port’s strategic infrastructure application in relation to the proposed Galway Harbour Extension project.
An Bord Pleanála stated that it was of the view that the proposed development as part of this application should be given consent for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI )’.
In setting out the imperative reasons of overriding public interest, An Bord Pleanála noted that the proposal presents an integrated development that enhances the social, economic and recreational benefits of the Port for the wider benefit of the population of Galway and its regional hinterland.
They felt the enhancement of port facilities also aligns with the European transportation policy promoting ‘short-sea shipping’ as a cost effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport. The enhancement of the Port serving the region will therefore align with European, national and regional policies in favour of balanced spatial and economic development.
It also believes that the Port and the tradition of maritime trade is fundamental not just to the economy of Galway, but also to its culture and identity.
Furthermore, the Board concluded that the social and economic benefits of the project include positive impacts to tourism, marine research and development, including offshore renewable energy, urban regeneration and marine leisure opportunities.”
Conor O’Dowd, CEO of the Port of Galway, has welcomed the news as a positive further step in the planning process and stated that this is a positive step in relation to the planning application process for the proposed new port extension.
"The Port welcomes the determination of An Bord Pleanála that the Port proposal ‘presents an integrated development that enhances the social, economic and recreational benefits of the Port for the wider benefit of the population of Galway’ and protects the environmental, cultural and maritime tradition of the City," he said.
An Bord Pleanála has requested the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage consider the adequacy of the compensatory measures proposed by the applicant and to advise as to whether there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest to enable consideration of the proposed development to proceed.
