‘Beggars belief’: Government asked to end Galway Port funding limbo
In its submission on the Draft National Ports Policy 2026, the council seeks certainty over Galway Port’s future and wants to ensure it can access State and European funding.
At the heart of the submission is a call for the Government to spell out Galway Port’s future role and how its development can be financed.
The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Galway City Council, where Cllr Peter Keane (FF) said Government involvement was critical to developing the maritime foreshore.
He said it “beggars belief” that Minister of State with responsibility for ports Seán Canney (Ind) was treating the issue with what he described as “such contempt”, given what the city is trying to achieve in areas including housing delivery.
Cllr Keane also pointed to Ros an Mhíl as a solution. Planning permission for the Galway Harbour extension was secured earlier this year, but the required funding has yet to be secured.
The project is closely linked to plans to transform the existing Docks.
Moving port operations to new deeper-water facilities would free up valuable lands for a new waterfront neighbourhood.
The Galway Inner Harbour Masterplan provides for the regeneration of more than 6.5 hectares, with around 141,000 square metres of residential and commercial development.
The harbour extension would also provide approximately 19 hectares for port-related economic activity.
Harbour officials previously warned councillors of a funding “catch-22”: restrictions on State support for commercial port infrastructure also limited Galway’s ability to access European funding.
Since then, there has been a potential shift.
In its submission, the council notes that the new draft ports policy revises the previous restriction on Exchequer support.
However, it fears the clearest funding route remains focused on Ports of National Significance, potentially leaving Galway without the certainty it needs.
At the meeting, Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary paid tribute to the port company and its directors.
He said they have “stood the test of time, bringing this project forward.”
He said the council wants Galway and other local-authority-owned ports to be eligible to compete for funding.
“From a development point of view, this is important,” he continued.
“It is beyond the capacity and funding of Galway City Council. We are seeking a clear policy position on the port. We are seeking equal access to EU and national funding.”
In its submission, Galway City Council said Galway Port “should have fair access to funding and finance pathways where projects meet published criteria and deliver demonstrable public value.
“This must include a route to Exchequer support for maritime safety and access infrastructure whose benefits cannot be funded from port revenues alone.
“A clear position would support Galway City Council in carrying out its responsibilities as shareholder, local authority and planning authority; provide certainty to Galway Harbour Company and potential funders; and align National Ports Policy with the National Planning Framework, TEN-T, national resilience and balanced regional development.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme