International cruise liners and yachts boosting the local economy as well as major enhancements and growth in port business activity could be a reality in just over six years if the €200 million redevelopment of the new Galway Harbour gets the go-ahead, and the public will have the chance to play their part in the future of the port this weekend.
‘Inspiration from the past, innovation in the present, a legacy for the future,’ this is the optimistic and confident motto for the Galway Port Development Plan which is to go on display for the public consultation process at the Centre Pier building at Galway Harbour tomorrow January 21 from 2pm to 8pm, and Saturday January 22, from noon to 6pm.
The Galway Harbour Company is welcoming feedback, suggestions, and input from the public to ensure that the final proposed development is a success. According to Harbour CEO, Eamon Bradshaw, all the feedback from the public will be examined and considered further prior to the formal planning application being put before An Bord Pleanala in mid-April. He further explained that once planning permission is achieved it is hoped that construction will begin by the end of 2012 with an end date for all four stages of the development expected by 2017 at a total cost of up to €200 million.
“Galway Harbour Company have always endeavoured to keep the public abreast of all details pertaining to the proposed devolopment via the company website. I believe that the public consultation process will provide an opportunity for the public to interact with members of the Harbour executive as well as the main consultants involved so that any and all technical queries can be addressed and dealt with. It has been my experience that the vast majority of Galwegians support the proposed development and in particular its long-term positive benefits for the city and county,” said Mr Bradshaw.
According to the Galway Port Development Plan it is proposed that the new Galway Harbour will consist of 23.61 hectares of land reclamation with the development extending 917m out to sea providing 660m of quay berth. The development itself will consist of berthing facilities for general cargo vessels, oil tankers, passenger vessels, fishing vessels, and container vessels. A western marina will be formed providing 216 amenity berths and the development will also contain roll on/roll off facilities and berths for naval/research vessels. Breakwaters will be constructed as part of the proposed development to provide requisite shelter and craft stability while berthed.
In September 2010 Galway Harbour Company announced details of its revised development which includes achieving the overall project in four stages. This decision was based on finding a balance between the current economic climate and the immediate requirements of the port.
Stage one, which is expected to take two and a half years to complete at a cost of around €50 million (funded by the Galway Harbour Company ), will consist of the reclamation of 17.32 hectares of quay areas and back up land, the construction of a sheltered quay of 660 metres and will also make provision for a turning circle for some of the world’s largest cruise liners and tankers. There will also be the formation of Pier Head breakwater, provision of full new oil handling capacity, and a commercial port. This stage will allow the port to sustain and grow its current core business and is essential to the current operating needs of the port.
Stage two will involve the reclamation of 5.79 hectares of additional back-up land and the construction of a rail embankment. Stage three will involve the reclamation of 5.79 hectares of back up land, and 0.5 hectare as fisherman piers and slipway areas as well as the construction of a rail link to accommodate rail freight, and the formation of marina breakwater. Stage four makes provision for the development of a western marina that will be capable of berthing 216 leisure craft.
According to Galway Harbour Company the proposal for the redevelopment of Galway Port “is to allow for the maintenance of current core port activity and to further enhance and grow this business. The redevelopment holds the key to the future survival of the port as an economic entity. It would allow the port to compete on a level playing field with both national and international ports. It would allow for the future proofing of the strategic and sustainable survival of the port for generations to come”.
It is further hoped that the Galway Port Development Plan will help solve restrictions caused by the current port size and infrastructure. At present, the port cannot facilitate vessels with capacity above 6,000 tonnes. For economic and environmental reasons it is essential that Galway Port be in a position to accommodate vessels of up to 20,000 tonnes. As Galway is the ideal destination for the lucrative cruise sector it is envisioned that the new port will allow the port company to attract a significant number of cruise vessels. The new plan will also help solve restrictions to enhancing port marina business and SEVESCO restrictions of the existing port lands.
For more information log onto www.galway harbour.com
