Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2019
144. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made by the Galway Harbour Company in relation to the 2013 strategic infrastructure development planning application concerning the Galway Harbour extension; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I have no role in relation to the planning process. I have made enquiries in the matter, however, and I understand that Galway Harbour Company lodged a planning application for the Galway Harbour Extension project with An Bórd Pleanala in January 2014. An oral hearing on the application was held in January 2015. On foot of this hearing, work commenced on the identification of compensatory measures for the environmental impact of the project. The final compensatory measures report was submitted to an Bórd Pleanala and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in April of this year.
I have been advised that the measures proposed by Galway Harbour Company are currently being considered by An Bórd Pleanala in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Should the measures set out in the report be deemed acceptable and following the necessary approvals and consultation, then An Bórd Pleanala will prepare a Statement of Case as required under the Habitats Directive. Following completion of the Statement of Case, An Bórd Pleanala will reach a decision on the planning application. There are no statutory timelines applying to this particular planning process and consequently, it is not possible to determine when the final decision will be made.
