Renewed calls for navy base in Galway

There are renewed calls for a permanent navy base on the west coast to be located at Galway docks.

Published 3rd Jun 2026, 13:39 BST Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan said he hoped that “sense will prevail” as the Government reviews Ireland’s maritime security strategy. | Iconic There are renewed calls for a permanent navy base on the west coast to be located at Galway docks. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan has said he hoped that “sense will prevail” as the Government reviews Ireland’s maritime security strategy.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Galway City Council, he said that while Ros a’ Mhíl and Killybegs were among the locations under consideration, Galway city was the strongest option.

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“I would hope that sense will prevail and that the naval base will be in Galway,” he told elected representatives.

He confirmed that a submission regarding the need for a naval presence on the west coast had been made to the Defence Forces “some time ago”.

"In relation to the navy, we made a submission to the Defence Forces some time ago,” he said.

“A naval presence on the west coast has yet to be decided between Galway, Ros a’ Mhíl and Killybegs. I believe the naval base should be in Galway.

“The data cables need to be protected. Offshore renewable wind is among our most valuable assets and those assets need to be protected.”

I would hope that sense will prevail and that the naval base will be in Galway,

Captain Sheridan said the need for maritime security is increasing as the geopolitical landscape changes rapidly.

And he also pointed to the need for secure infrastructure and energy supplies.

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“The geopolitical landscape is changing very quickly,” he said. “Nanotech is the future. A stable power supply and stable government are really important.”

Captain Sheridan said locating a naval base in Galway would also make practical sense.

“I welcome a naval base in Galway,” he continued. “A naval wharf made ultimate sense even back then, (it is) better usage of Defence Forces buildings and equipment.”

The comments came during a wider discussion on the future of Galway Harbour following the recent granting of planning permission for the port expansion project.

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In 2022, a Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identified the city as an ideal location for a naval reserve facility. During the review process, Galway City Council pushed for the city’s port to be considered as a base for the Irish navy. Supporters argued that Galway is ideally positioned given its location and existing military barracks.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Níall McNeilis (Lab) said that Galway is the perfect location.

“The decision still hasn't been made,” he said. “Galway is perfect and the barracks is here. It is vital to protect our fibre-optic cable and data infrastructure.”

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