Ros a'Mhíl is being suggested for the West's new naval service base to be developed by the government.
Although no location is mentioned, the plans are set out in Ireland's National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030.
The continuing decline in the fishing industry is sparking concern about the future of Rosaveal Harbour.
Ros a'Mhíl is the main fishing port on the western coast. However, its standing in that industry has fallen sharply.
There has been a six fold drop in tonnage over the past 20 years, from 10,600 tonnes in 2005 down to 1,700 last year.
However, there was confidence in recent years that Ros a'Mhíl would be a key service base for offshore wind farms and this was a factor in a Government decision to sanction a €30m. development at the harbour.
However, the decision by the Australian company, Corio Generation to pull out of the Sceirde Rocks wind project, put a serious dent in those plans and a recently proposed birds protection designation along the Connemara coast has raised more questions about offshore wind farms.
Now former Green Party Minister, Éamon Ryan has proposed that Ros a'Mhíl would be a Naval base. Whether that gains traction, or boosts Ros a'Mhíl Harbour, remains to be seen.
