NUI Galway is holding a two day public consultation this month on plans for a €200 million redevelopment of Nuns’ Island.
The university began work earlier this year on a masterplan to create a new residential and cultural quarter at Nuns’ Island, an underdeveloped and often dilapidated part of the city.
The masterplan covers 15 acres of the island and will include the redevelopment of a number of unused buildings such as a dilapidated brewery, and the relocation of St. Joseph’s College ‘The Bish’.
Public consultation that has taken place on this project so far this year has covered workshops with local residents, discussions with multiple organisations, and an online survey.
All of the ideas generated through that process will be on display for two days in the University’s O’Donoghue Centre from 21-22 June.
The public are invited to view the exhibits and give their feedback on the proposals that have been generated so far.
The masterplan is being on behalf of NUIG by architecture firm BDP, supported by property advisor Colliers International and engineering business AECOM in collaboration with Galway city council.
The development will be paid for by a mixture of state funding, private investment, and the university’s own resources.
The Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund has already indicated its support for this massive project.
President of NUI Galway Prof. Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that the university is passionate about rejuvenating this part of Galway for the public good.
He added that “Nuns’ Island is an important historic, social and cultural part of our city” and that a masterplan for the area should address all the needs of the city.
“This can only be done with the input of our communities,” Prof. Ó hÓgartaigh said.
“We wish to be an exemplar of planning for the public good, and we hope to hear the views of as many people and organisations as possible over the course of this two-day public consultation event.”
People can come to view ideas to date and engage in discussion with representatives of the university and BDP on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22.
