Galway Port Extension and Funding Policy Raised in Dáil Debate

A revised national ports policy will be submitted to the Government by the end of the year following planning approval for the Galway Port extension, the Dáil has heard.

Speaking in the Dáil, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers noted that An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission in April for the extension of the Port of Galway. The Minister stated that the Department of Transport is reviewing 91 written submissions received during the second public consultation on the draft national ports policy, which closed on 28 August. Submissions were lodged by Galway Harbour Company, Galway City Council, and Galway County Council, with Minister for Transport O'Brien due to present a final draft to Cabinet before the end of the year.

Deputy Seán Kyne raised the port's long-term status, noting that under the draft policy Galway remains categorised as a port of regional significance, whereas Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Limerick Foynes hold national designations. Kyne highlighted that the permitted extension and relocation scheme includes a rail link, berths for larger cargo and naval vessels, improved cruise ship access, and flood protection, while freeing up inner harbour land for housing and leisure uses.

Kyne called for the final framework to ensure local authority-owned and TEN-T comprehensive network ports have clear routes to State, EU, and blended funding for infrastructure where revenues cannot cover shortfalls.

Chambers confirmed the Government approved the draft policy on 16 June. He said the updated framework is intended to support ports in facilitating commercial trade, housing supply through inner harbour regeneration, and regional renewable energy and decarbonisation targets, with capital allocation decisions to follow.