The Galway Harbour could close as a commercial port if planning permission is not granted for a proposed redevelopment.
In May the Galway Harbour company outlined plans about the creation of a sustainable urban living quarter to include key community and public realm initiatives. Aims include delivery of a sustainable mixed-use urban quarter; the development of a cultural space on the iconic Centre Pier site; and a realignment of the city to the sea.
At Monday's meeting of the Galway City Council, Maurice O'Gorman, chairperson of the Galway Harbour Company, said: "Ships are getting bigger, we can only accommodate ships of a certain size. As ships are getting bigger Galway will no longer be a viable port if we do not get planning permission, we would close as a commercial port."
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Conor O'Dowd, CEO of the Galway Harbour Company, said: "The new port planning application is still pending. On May 6 we launched our vision for the inner dock." Since then there have been 602 visitors to the virtual consultation room with 198 submissions - the vast majority positive.
He also added that the Galway Harbour Company is monitoring offshore and onshore wind energy measures being adopted in Scotland and Denmark.
"We are looking to others in terms of best practice," Mr O'Dowd said. "There is a wonderful opportunity, but it needs port infrastructure to make it happen. I truly believe the opportunity is here for Galway, but we need to put policies in place," he said.
