Planning permission has been granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála for the significant redevelopment and expansion of the Port of Galway.
The news was announced this afternoon, just hours after the announcement of planning permission for the Galway Ring Road this morning.
The announcement has been welcomed by Minister of State Seán Canney, who oversees International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports. Minister Canney described it as a major step forward for the city and the wider west.
First proposed over a decade ago, the project will see the creation of a new deepwater port to the east of the existing harbour, including the reclamation of approximately 27 hectares of land, new dock facilities, breakwaters, and supporting infrastructure.
“This is a really important moment for Galway," Minister Canney said. "After a long process, we now have the clarity needed to move this project forward.
“Alongside the recent approval of the Galway Outer Ring Road, this is another hugely positive step for the city. It shows real momentum behind Galway’s future development.
“This project will strengthen Galway’s role as a key economic driver for the west, supporting trade, connectivity and future growth.”
The development will enable larger vessels to access the port without tidal restrictions and will allow for the relocation of port activities away from the inner dock.
This, in turn, will support the regeneration of the existing docklands into a new mixed-use urban quarter, including residential, commercial, amenity and recreational space, better connecting the harbour with the city centre.
Minister Canney added: “There is a real opportunity here not just to modernise the port, but to reshape how the city connects with its waterfront and to create a vibrant new space for people to live, work and enjoy.”
Meanwhile, Galway Harbour Company has lauded the grant of planning permission. In a statement the company, which oversees the Port of Galway, said the redevelopment "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."
Galway's harbour master, Captain Brian Sheridan, said the harbour extension will be transformative for the facility.
"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," Capt Sheridan said. "Importantly, it enables us to future-proof the Port of Galway in line with evolving international shipping requirements.”
Maurice O’Gorman, chairperson of the Galway Harbour company, said today was a landmark day for Galway Harbour Company and for the region. "The granting of planning permission reflects the strategic importance of the port extension, not only for Galway but for balanced national development," he said. We are committed to delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable port that will serve future generations.”
Senator Seán Kyne, a former director of the Galway Port, has also welcomed this afternoon's announcement.
Sen Kyne said the decision represents a vision for a 21st century port that no longer relies on a gated harbour model and instead integrates more naturally with the city and its economic ambitions.
“An expanded and modernised Galway Port will be transformative for trade, tourism, jobs and connectivity in the west," he added. "It will allow Galway to accommodate larger vessels including cruise ships, and together with the approval of the Galway Ring Road it will position our city as a hub in the west of Ireland.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous work done by the Galway Harbour Company over many years in pursuing this project and I want to thank all those in the community, in business and in local and national Government who supported this vision," Sen Kyne continued.
“I am also urging Government to proceed with a review of the National Port Policy, necessary to ensure this project can be part-funded by the State.
“The road to get to this point has been long, but the destination is more than worth it,” concluded Senator Kyne.
The project is expected to be delivered on a phased basis over the coming years.
