Galway City Council has been told a decision on a proposal to extend the city's harbour is anticipated by the end of the year.
Plans for a major expansion of the facility were lodged in 2014 and were subject to an oral hearing in 2015.
But the application was subsequently referred to the EU, after it was found some elements of the development would have an adverse impact on Galway Bay.
Compensatory measures, proposed by the harbour, were found to be sufficient and the planning board sought further information in recent months.
Submissions in that regard have now closed and the harbour’s CEO, Conor O'Dowd, says he’s hopeful a final decision will be made in the fourth quarter of this year.
The planned expansion would create a deep water docking facility and would also involve the reclamation of around 27 hectares from the foreshore and sea bed.
It’s seen as a vital part of the city’s future growth potential and has long been championed as an essential infrastructure project for Galway.
Loss of opportunities in recent months
Mr O'Dowd has been briefing City Councillors on the port company’s strategy this afternoon.
He told elected representatives that a lack of facilities at the harbour for larger vessels at present meant a number of opportunities had been lost in recent months.
These included a contract for the export of granite to The Gambia, as well as the shipping of local limestone, which would be used in the construction of an Ireland-France inter-connector.
However, Mr O’Dowd said the harbour was well placed to capitalise on a predicted expansion in the volume of timber exports in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
He also referenced the potential for growth in movement of onshore wind energy infrastructure through the port.
Councillors also heard that further detail, in relation to Land Development Agency plans for affordable housing at the harbour, are expected to be announced by the end of the month.
