“A modern port facility for Galway, catering for commercial shipping traffic and the development of Galway as a centre for Ocean Energy, cruise liners and marine leisure is pivotal to the future progression of the city,” according to Captain Brian Sheridan, Harbour Master who made his comments in advance of the Galway 2040 Symposium to be held in GMIT on Friday November 5.
Organised by the Galway 2040 Initiative, this free public symposium will see Captain Sheridan and key figures from the world of business; academia and community leaders present their visions for the future of Galway.
In addition to Captain Sheridan, papers will be presented by working groups led by Macnas founder Páraic Breathnach and businessman John Killeen of Volvo Ocean Race, Mairéad Ní Chroinín, Professor Michael Cuddy, Dr Sean McDonagh (former President DKIT ), Joe Cunningham (SIPTU ), Fiona Monaghan (Failte Ireland West ), David Heffernan (Heffernan & Associates ), Mike Devane (Quilly Consultancy ), Mark Gantly (HP ), and Professor Terry Smith, NUI Galway.
The day-long public debate will be led by Dave O’ Connell, Editor of the Connacht Tribune, assisted by Professor Kevin Leyden, Centre for Innovation and Structural Change, NUI Galway.
Outlining aspects of his vision for Galway, Captain Sheridan believes that Galway could be the world leader in ocean energy technologies by 2040, given the country’s geographic position adjacent to the world’s highest wave energy site
“While the promotion of the ‘softer’ values of the port have been flagged on many occasion such as cruise liners and marine leisure it is the area of ocean energy that the new port of Galway will be able to accommodate with the vessel types and sizes commensurate with servicing and harnessing what lies offshore Galway.”
“The new port will be able to facilitate this sector from the R&D stage to construction and ultimately deployment of devices offshore. Creating employment in the process, Galway in 2040 could be the world leader in ocean energy technologies,” he concluded.
Paul Shelly, President of Galway Chamber, is encouraging members of the public to participate in the debate on a vision for Galway 2040.
“We want to hear and take account of the views of the people of Galway (City and County ) to the ideas presented by our working groups, on how we want our children to live, work and play in 2040. We can collectively take responsibility for creating a better future and create a vision without limits," said Paul Shelly.
The symposium is free of charge but registration is essential. To register please log on to www.galway2040.ie Further information on www.galway2040.ie or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/galway2040
