Connacht Rugby have formally submitted a planning application for the €30 million redevelopment of the Sportsground and Stadium.
The application was submitted with Galway City Council on Tuesday after an extensive design process and public consultation.
This massive development project will raise the capacity at the stadium to 12,000 and deliver state of the art training facilities.
CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane said they’ve been pleased with the reaction from the public consultation.
“Since the public announcement of the project in early October we have received widespread support from the public and elected representatives for the development of the stadium and delivery of a high performance training centre.”
“Our public consultation has also allowed us to really engage with local residents and address issues or observations that they raised,” he added.
This development was made possible by an agreement between the Irish Greyhound Board and the freehold owners of the Sportsground, the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society.
Their shared vision for the future of the site has ensured that Connacht Rugby fixtures will continue to be enjoyed at the sportsground.
The submission coincides with the official launch of the Government’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund which opened last week.
The Sportsground redevelopment will cost in the region of €30 million and the allocation of public funds is an essential component to the delivery of the project.
Willia Ruane said that they’ve already got their foot in the door on securing government support for the project.
“We have already presented an outline of the project to members of the Oireachtas including the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has been supportive of the development and of its strategic benefits to the entire region.”
“The scheme outline sets out the need for regional distribution of the fund along with the need to develop multi use facilities, making the Sportsground an ideal location for development.”
The public consultation was carried out in conjunction with technical advisers, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and Chapman Architects.
It involved a stadium composition survey, briefings to elected officials, setting up a dedicated address for submission, individual and group meetings with residents, a public meeting in the Connacht Hotel in October, and an extensive media campaign.
