Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway Harbour Company is hoping that environmental compensatory measures as part of its plan for the expansion of Galway Docks will be accepted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Harbour Company has sent a report to the NPWS in order to comply with requirements of An Bord Pleanála.
A meeting is due to take place between Galway Harbour Company and the NPWS once the report has been considered by the NPWS, with a view to sending a formal report to the planning authority.
In September, the Harbour Company was invited to progress plans for a port expansion through the fast-track IROPI process.
This is for projects of over-riding public importance.
The expansion of Galway harbour would involve the reclamation of 27 hectares from the foreshore and seabed, a deep sea berth and new quays, jetties and yards.
It’s hoped a formal report on environmental protection compensatory measures for Galway Bay can be sent to An Bord Pleanála in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Transport is being urged not to downgrade Galway Port amid concerns about the impact on the county’s economic and social development.
Galway West T.D Éamon Ó’ Cuív says a Harbours Bill before the Dail would downgrade Galway from a national port, to a port of regional significance.
The Fianna Fail Deputy is urging Minister Pascal Donohue to consider accepting an amendment deleting the reference to the downgrading of Galway Port.
Deputy O’Cuiv says that if the bill is passed, Galway Port would have greater difficulty in accessing funding going forward.
The multi-million euro redevelopment of Galway Docks would include a link up with the rail station at Eyre Square, allowing rail freight right out to the bay.
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