Galway Bay fm newsroom – The deadline is looming for public submissions on the proposed expansion of the Galway Bay Marine and Energy Test Site.
The consultation period will come to an end tomorrow (Friday) – and the Marine Institute in Oranmore has warned that it will not be extended any further.
The deadline was extended in July following considerable local representations – the third such extension granted since the publication of plans to upgrade the site on the north side of Galway Bay 1 mile east of Spiddal.
The Marine Institute in Oranmore is seeking a 35 year lease under the 1933 Foreshore Act to further develop the renewable energy test site, which was established in 2006.
Local residents argue that not enough information has been made available on the development and have raised concerns over the lack of consultation with affected stakeholders.
Questions have also been raised over the potential impact of the proposed expansion on marine life, the livelihood of in-shore fishermen and on leisure activities.
In a statement to Galway Bay fm news, the Marine Institute says it’s engaging with locals in Spiddal and describes meetings held to discuss concerns as ‘positive and productive’.
It further says it will continue to consult with locals until tomorrow’s deadline.
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