Capital allocation has been granted to provide for a second planning application for the Páirc na Mara project to Galway County Council.
Údarás na Gaeltachta board approved a sum of €500,000 which will allow specialist consultants to update the masterplan and apply for all relevant licences.
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 at Cill Chiaráin in the Conamara Gaeltacht.
The board stated that, although the Bord Pleanála decision was a blow, it was not their intention to abandon this strategic project.
They pointed to 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, said: “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.
