A positive ruling on plans to expand Galway Port would herald a new chapter for the harbour and the city, Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne has said.

Kyne, a former director of Galway Port and Fine Gael's candidate in the forthcoming Galway West by-election, said the project offers a once-in-a-generation chance to modernise the facility and deliver major economic and social benefits for Galway.

He said: "I fully support the expansion plans of the port to facilitate larger ships and to free up the inner dock for living, recreation and leisure.

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"This project will prepare Galway for the future by creating a more accessible port which is better positioned to support trade, tourism and potential strategic uses such as a naval berth."

Plans lodged with An Comisiún Pleanála outline a 21st-century port that moves away from a gated harbour model and integrates more naturally with the city and its economic ambitions.

The Fine Gael Seanad leader discussed the proposal with Tánaiste Simon Harris during a visit to the constituency. Kyne also underlined that the funding approach for Phase 1 is intended to be largely self-financed.

"The sale of the existing strategic land bank would provide the capital for the first phase.

"This land has the potential to deliver new inner-city housing alongside modern office space, helping to revitalise the city centre and support sustainable urban growth.

"Galway Port is an ambitious, forward-looking plan for its future, and I look forward to its development as a world-class port at the head of Galway Bay," added Senator Kyne.