Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, and Port of Galway Chairperson, Maurice O’Gorman, this week warmly welcomed the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission for the extension of the Port of Galway - marking a once in a generation infrastructure milestone for Galway City and the wider West of Ireland.

Members of Galway City Council this week called on national Government to reexamine the outdated funding model for local authorities, to reduce significant gaps in service delivery and public infrastructure across the Galway Metropolitan Area. The current funding model positions Galway City below every other local authority, urban and rural, in Ireland - despite the city being the largest urban centre in the Northern and Western region, a key driver of economic growth in the region and contributor to national GDP. Members highlighted a critical need for a re-examination of this status, and called for the introduction of a pilot Tourism Levy similar to other European city regions, to address shortfalls.

The permitted extension of the Port of Galway will support the continued operation and expansion of core port activities, strengthening its role as a key economic asset for the city and region.