Written answer
Ports Policy
The Minister welcomed Galway Harbour Company’s approved redevelopment, noting its regional significance, Galway City Council ownership, and role in balanced development and decarbonisation.
178. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware and supportive of the plans for a redeveloped Port in Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64185/26]
Comment on this
Under the National Ports Policy 2013 (NPP), Galway Harbour Company (GHC) is designated as a Port of Regional Significance. Ownership of GHC was transferred from the Minister for Transport to Galway City Council in January 2021 in accordance with the Harbours Act 2015. The corporate governance of GHC is therefore overseen by Galway City Council and, ultimately, by the Council’s parent department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The draft revision of the NPP, for which the second public consultation period ended on 28 August 2026, confirms the importance of GHC and other ports of regional significance to their immediate hinterlands and, crucially, to supporting balanced regional development. Furthermore, the draft revision of the NPP encourages all ports with commercial activity not only to contribute to the facilitation of trade but also to support renewable energy, energy security, climate adaptation, and decarbonisation goals, both within their regions and across the State as a whole.
I note that GHC has recently received planning permission for an ambitious development and welcome such examples of drive and initiative across the port network.