Galway port operating at one-sixth of capacity
Galway Bay fm newsroom - Galway port is operating at one-sixth of its potential capacity.That's according to Harbour Master Brian Sheridan whose comments follow the lodging of an application to An Bord Pleanala for a major extension to the port.
The harbour was built 175 years ago and was modernised in the sixties but has since not undergone any major development.Due to tides, it has access restricted to four hours a day and gates also restrict the size of the ships and their tonnage.This means that significant business from Ireland and abroad cannot be competed for.If approved, the 27 hectare extension will be carried out over four stages with the first due to begin next year at a cost of 52 million euro.The project includes a 216 berth marina, facilities for cruise ships, quay walls to create commercial quays and a nautical centre.Harbour Master Brian Sheridan says the existing port must be developed or else it may stagnate.