Decision delayed again on plans for Docks expansion

As An Bórd Pleanála continues to deliberate over the proposal to transform Galway Harbour, the Taoiseach has been asked to intervene to ensure the project gets European funding.

The Planning Appeals Board is due to announce its decision on whether to give the go-ahead for the multi-million euro redevelopment of the city harbour, but is unable to provide a date for the decision, which has already been pushed back several times.

The oral hearing into the proposed extension of the harbour was held in the city in January and a decision was due in April or May.

However, in May the appeals board confirmed that the decision date has been pushed back by several weeks.

In a statement to the Galway City Tribune, An Bord Pleanála said it has been put back further.

The statement reads: “The decision has not been made and it could be a while yet”.

By the middle of this month, the board said it hopes to have a clear timeline of when the decision will be made

Meanwhile, Galway West TD, Éamon Ó Cuív, has called on Enda Kenny to ensure that Galway Harbour is included as a ‘Tier 2’ port of regional significance.

This status, said the Fianna Fáil TD, would ensure it gets adequate funding. He said that ports are currently being divided into Tier 1 ports of national significance (Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes), and Tier 2 (Waterford and Rosslare).

Deputy Ó Cuív wants the legislation to be amended so that Galway is included in Tier 2.

“It is worth noting that there will be no national port along the coastline from south of Limerick to Derry under the Government’s proposal and once again the west of Ireland is going to lose out. If this Bill goes ahead without amendment, it will make it more difficult for Galway Harbour Company to get funding for the major development proposed for Galway Harbour, that would facilitate substantial growth in business in the port, plus the development of a very significant cruise liner business in the port.”

Deputy Ó Cuív said it would be a ‘great pity’ if the harbour is “inhibited by the east coast attitude of the Government that it is refusing to recognise the potential of the west coast and the need for basic infrastructure there.

He added: “I am now calling on the Taoiseach as a Minister in the West of Ireland, to insist at Cabinet, that Galway would be classified as a Tier 2 port and therefore give it access to European funding for the development of the harbour in Galway and to ensure that major development, not only of the port, but of the city there.”