Galway Harbour Company has been granted planning permission for a major extension of Galway Harbour, marking a significant milestone in the long-term development of the port and the wider west of Ireland. Amongst other factors, the change will significantly improve the quality of cruising along the west coast of Ireland.
The €290 million project will see the harbour expanded into Galway Bay, with works taking place at Renmore and Townparks, as well as lands reclaimed from the foreshore and seabed south of the existing Harbour Enterprise Park. The development will transform the capacity of the port, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen Ireland’s maritime infrastructure.
Key elements of the project include the construction of new quay walls, breakwaters and a deep-water docking facility, along with dredging to create an approach channel and turning circle. Approximately 27 hectares of land will be reclaimed to provide space for port operations and associated industries. The development will also include new pipelines, road improvements, a freight rail link, harbour buildings and landscaped areas.
In addition, plans include a western marina with over 200 berths, along with facilities such as a naval wharf, fishing pier and slipways. Access to the expanded harbour will be via the existing junction at Lough Atalia Road and Bóthar na Long.
While much of the development is located within environmentally designated areas, including a candidate Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area, the project has been approved subject to planning conditions.
Subject to any judicial review, the next phase will involve detailed design and procurement over the next two years, followed by an estimated three-year construction period.