Cead Tugtha d’Iarratas Nua Pleanála do Pháirc na Mara

At a recent meeting of the Údarás na Gaeltachta board, a capital allocation was granted to provide for a second planning application for the Páirc na Mara project to Galway County Council.

The funding allocated will enable specialist consultants to update the masterplan and apply for all relevant licences, taking into consideration matters which were clarified in the recent An Bord Pleanála decision relating to Páirc na Mara. A sum of up to €500,000 was approved.

An Bord Pleanála recently rejected the appeal brought by Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the decision of Galway County Council to refuse planning permission for the project.

The board stated that, although the Bord Pleanála decision was a blow, it was not their intention to abandon this strategic project, in light of Páirc na Mara’s importance to the local economy and its significant potential as a national research and industry hub.

Mary Uí Chadhain, temporary chair of the Údarás na Gaeltachta board siad:

“This is an immensely important project for Údarás na Gaeltachta, both locally and nationally. The development of the marine sector on the west coast has great potential; Páirc na Mara will facilitate research and it will enable the development of new products and cutting-edge processes for the sector. It will also provide much-needed employment in a Gaeltacht community which has long had a particular affinity with the sea and the maritime economy. The proposed site is eminently suited to such a development in a number of ways, and it is also clear to us that the private sector remains committed to Páirc na Mara. “

It is expected that a new planning application will be brought to Galway County Council by the end of 2024.