The planned extension of the Port of Galway has been described as "transformational" for the city and the West of Ireland.
Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, and Port of Galway Chairperson, Maurice O'Gorman, welcomed the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission.
They say will enable the relocation of port activity to deeper waters, release of the inner docklands for regeneration and ensure modern, safe and efficient port operations.
The development is expected to create employment for enterprise, tourism and maritime activity and security, delivering objectives in the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework.
Galway Harbour Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Galway City Council, with the expansion of the port identified as a priority project for Galway City Council in the Programme for Government.
"Galway City has a long-established identity as a maritime trading community, with quays at the centre of the city, extending from Claddagh to the Port of Galway," Leonard Cleary said.
"But the impact of this decision goes well beyond Galway City, with strategic importance at a European, national, and regional level.
"The expansion of the port will enable Galway to remain a viable and competitive regional port, avoiding long-term decline, while also creating a space at the heart of the city for urban regeneration," he said.
The changes enabled by the decision to grant planning permission will deliver significant impacts for the operations of the Port of Galway.
"This development will create deep-water commercial quays and marine infrastructure extending into Galway Bay," Maurice O'Gorman said.
"Approximately 27-hectares of reclaimed land will be developed for port and associated enterprise use, with a new marina, fishing facilities, port buildings, logistic infrastructure, emergency response facilities and maritime services infrastructure.
"The development will also bring significant opportunities in terms of rail freight, with the port connecting directly to the national rail network via Ceannt station.
"This project is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region in terms of sustainable economic growth, supply chains and connectivity. Ireland is a small, open economy – investment in the Port of Galway is investment in generations to come in Galway City, and the wider region," he said.
Extensive consultation and engagement took place throughout the development of the project to bring forward a proposal that meets the needs of a modern, efficient international port, operating in the centre of the city.
The Harbour Company will now progress to the next phase of the project, including detailed design, procurement, and financing, in line with the relevant national infrastructure guidelines and governance requirements.
