€200m port project faces major delay over ‘error’

Date Published: 17-Nov-2011

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

The €200 million redevelopment plan for Galway Port has hit a major stumbling block because site investigation works were carried out without a licence from the Department of the Environment, the Galway City Tribune can reveal.

A planning application was due to be lodged directly with An Bord Pleanála at the end of September – however, this could now be delayed until at least next July.

And Galway Harbour Company could be forced to carry out the borehole investigations at the Docks again, adding further delays to the scheme.

Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan confirmed that Galway Harbour Company has “pulled back the throttle” on the project as it deals with various issues involved, and that the Taoiseach has been appraised of the situation.

The investigation boreholes carried out at the Docks – for the preparation of the Galway Port Master Plan – were done without a foreshore licence and may have to be carried out a second time. It’s understood applications for foreshore licences were made in the past, but this application process was never completed.

Capt Sheridan said talks are ongoing to resolve the issues, but admitted it may be next June or July before the planning application is submitted to An Bord Pleanála – because the project is considered Strategic Infrastructural Development, it circumvents local planning, although an oral hearing can be called.

A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment confirmed to this newspaper yesterday that the borehole investigations may have to be repeated.

“An application has been received from Galway Harbour Company for a foreshore licence in respect of site investigation works to be carried out at Galway Harbour. The Harbour Company recently carried out a public consultation process in respect of the application.

“Following the usual process of referral of the application to various consultees, and assessment by scientific and technical advisers, the Minister will make a determination on the application in due course,” the spokesperson said.

The €50m Stage 1 of the project involves relocating the existing ‘docks’ outside to an outer port – this will allow for the rejuvenation of the Inner Port and the creation of a new ‘Cultural Quarter’ for the city. Included in the plans are a new marina with around 200 berths and a terminal building for cruise liners. The first phase will also allow for a rail link to accommodate freight and the construction of a quay for the inshore fishing fleet.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.