Galway City Council is pleased to announce the redevelopment of the Old Galway Corporation Waterworks building on Dyke Road. The building will be refurbished to become a new water sports activity centre. Funding for this project is being provided by Fáilte Ireland under the second Platform for Growth Scheme, launched in January 2020, which focuses on developing water sports activity facilities across the country with the aim of increasing participation in water sports all year round by significantly improving the visitor experience.
The new development will deliver a best-in-class permanent water-sports amenity for the city. The aim is to increase participation in water sports all year round by significantly improving the visitor experience. The key components of this all-weather changing facility will be sustainable and accessible design; shower provision; toilet provision; changing provision; secure storage; induction space; external terrace; equipment washdown facilities; orientation points; and security.
The significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months. This means all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand.
The Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard commented on the news saying, “The new water sports centre will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.”
The Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary said, “To be recognised internationally as a world class activity destination, it is crucial that Galway invests in compelling activity infrastructure, the visitor experience, and building the capacity of activity providers. The development of this facility will ensure the Galway tourism experience meets and exceeds all users’ expectations, including the enhancement of accessibility and improving participation for people with disabilities and older adults.”
The project is scheduled to commence construction in 2026.