Key projects to get Galway thriving

Key infrastructural projects such as the new Galway Port, the City Outer Bypass, the Atlantic Enterprise Corridor and the Gort-Tuam motorway are integral to securing the economic future of the city and county, the Chamber of Commerce has warned.

In a pre-Budget submission to Finance Minister Michael Noonan, Galway Chamber said a regional strategy will be required if Galway is to secure its position as Ireland’s third city.

“Galway needs to consolidate its position as our country’s third city by encouraging iconic, relevant and important developments. Our city must not lose out in relation to vital infrastructure and investment projects,” the report reads.

 The business grouping said the Atlantic Enterprise Corridor is needed to create more knowledge-driven industries, such as ICT (Information and Communications Technology), medical technology, renewable energy and marine resources.

“Galway Chamber aspires to the creation of an Atlantic Enterprise Corridor linking Galway, Shannon and Limerick.  There is a need to develop a regional strategy to promote more knowledge driven indigenous industries such as ICT delivered services, medical tech sector, renewable energy and marine resources. We have established a sub-committee with the specific remit of exploring the potential benefits to be gained from the creation of an Atlantic Enterprise Corridor,” the document reads.

The Chamber added that the development of Galway Port and marine energy resources off the west coast are important for the future of Galway.

“The Galway Port development is essential to driving Galway’s future development and to maximising the potential for tourism and marine sciences, exploration/energy and marine leisure.

“The majority of this country’s potential ocean energy resource lies off the west coast of Ireland and the challenge is its exploitation to the benefit of the region and nation.

“Policy regarding all aspects of ocean energy including offshore wind, wave and tidal must be promoted, developed and implemented.”“

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