Planning permission is being sought for a massive new development on the grounds of University of Galway.
The university is seeking planning permission to demolish five existing buildings located between the Arts Concourse and the Quincentennial Bridge.
In their place the University intends to build a new Learning Commons building, four to six storeys in height, which will include an automated book storage and retrieval system known as a “Book Bot” facility.
The ground floor of the proposed development incorporates a catering area, an exhibition space and a Learning Success Hub.
The upper floors of the building contain individual and group study areas, seating areas, a book pickup station, book collection areas, a teaching and learning space and office space and ancillary spaces.
The buildings which are to be demolished for this new development are located on the northern edge of the south campus.
They include No. 14 Distillery Road, Block T, the Storage Facility, the former Pharmacology building and the adjacent car parking area together with associated boundary walls and ancillary structures.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by June 21.
University of Galway also secured approval this year for the construction of a new water sports centre on the banks of the Corrib.
The proposed centre will offer first-class facilities for Rowing, Kayak and Sub Aqua clubs at University of Galway and their 150-plus members.
The new development will also house a gym, which will be open to other athletic clubs on campus, with the potential to cater for members of all other athletic clubs in the University.
President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said investment of this nature enables the university to support students and coaches as well as their sporting endeavours.
