Galway City Council has welcomed the approval of the Part 8 planning process for the development of a new tourist information centre and public facilities in Eyre Square.
The local authority has said the approval, announced at the weekend, marks a significant milestone in enhancing Galway’s visitor experience and public realm.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The approved development will see the replacement of the existing tourist kiosk and public toilet facilities with a modern, sustainably designed visitor hub incorporating a new tourist information centre, modern public facilities, A fully accessible ‘Changing Places’ bathroom facility, an outdoor performance space for cultural activities and busking, enhanced landscaping and public realm improvements.
The centre will feature low-carbon, sustainable construction using Irish materials and a modular building approach.
The facility, located in Eyre Square and close to the city’s rail and bus stations, will also provide a welcoming point of arrival and orientation for visitors exploring the city and wider region.
In a statement, Galway City Council said that the development has been carefully designed to work within the existing landscape, retaining and protecting mature trees while creating an attractive and accessible gateway experience for residents and visitors alike.
“The approval of this project is an important step in the ongoing enhancement of Galway city,” said Leonard Cleary, chief executive of Galway City Council. “Eyre Square is often the first point of contact for visitors arriving in the city and it is only right that the facilities available reflect Galway’s status as a vibrant, welcoming destination.”
The facility will act as a primary visitor orientation hub at the city’s main arrival point, supporting improved visitor information, wayfinding, destination awareness and visitor dispersal across the city’s neighbourhoods and attractions.
Sally-Ann O’Brien, Galway City Council’s head of tourism, added: “A tourist information centre in such a prominent location at Galway’s main arrival point will provide visitors with expert local advice and inspiration from the moment they arrive. It will help people discover more of the city and enhance the overall visitor experience.”
The project has been designed by GKMP Architects on behalf of Galway City Council and Fáilte Ireland. The new building will use sustainable construction methods and indigenous materials, including timber, Irish blue limestone and Valentia slate, creating a modern civic building that complements the historic setting of Eyre Square.
A 12-month build time is expected, subject to the award of a tender for the project.
