500 submissions on Galway Bay energy test site

The Marine Institute in Oranmore is to begin assessing over 500 submissions on the planned extension of the Galway Bay Marine Energy Test Site.
The consultation period on the controversial plan came to an end last month, following several extensions of the deadline amid local concerns.
The consultation period came to an end on Friday September 9th – and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government subsequently revealed that it had received 514 submissions.
In a statement, the Department says all submissions have now been consolidated and forwarded to the Marine Institute for technical evaluation.
It further states a ministerial decision will only be made following the careful examination and consideration of the application and supporting documentation.
The Oranmore-based institute is seeking a 35 year lease to further develop the renewable energy test site, which was established in 2006 and lies on the north side of Galway Bay 1 mile east of Spiddal.
Local residents argued that not enough information was made available on the development and raised concerns over an alleged lack of consultation with concerned stakeholders.
They also raised questions about the potential impact of the expansion on marine life, the livelihoods of in-shore fishermen and on leisure activities in the bay.