An Bord Pleanála will decide on a planning application for Galway Docks before the end of this year – eleven years after it was first submitted.

The plan involves relocating the existing harbour to reclaimed land further out to sea, freeing the inner dock to be developed for other purposes.

Chief Executive of Galway Port Company Conor O’Dowd claimed this week that, without this redevelopment, Galway has suffered ‘lost opportunities’ on exports.

He confirmed that a masterplan for the docklands was currently being finalised, and Galway City Councillors will be briefed on Land Development Agency plans for residential units at the Docks before the end of May. The masterplan was a requirement of the City Development Plan, he said.

The LDA, in conjunction with the City Council, hopes to lodge plans for apartments at the docks this autumn.

Separately, the development of the inner docks was contingent on the go-ahead for the new, larger port on reclaimed land that was necessary to facilitate bigger vessels.

That was likely to be developed within the next decade.

Caption: Galway Port.

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