Ministers O’Donovan and McConalogue announce €3.25m in additional Government support to advance Galway Regional Aquatic Project
- Published on: 19 May 2026
- Last updated on: 19 May 2026
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD, have today announced that the Government is proposing an additional €3.25 million in support to help progress the long‑awaited Galway Regional Aquatic Project.
The proposed allocation would close the remaining funding gap identified by Galway City Council, enabling the project to move toward the construction phase - subject to completion of due diligence, final business case approval and tender documentation.
The project represents one of the most significant regional sports infrastructure investments proposed for the west of Ireland, delivering a competition‑standard 35m pool, adjustable-depth floor, sports hall, gym, spectator facilities, sauna and steam room, and a range of community and public spaces, alongside upgraded cycling and pedestrian access routes.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“This is a potentially transformational project for Galway and for the wider west. Modern, competition‑standard aquatic facilities of this scale have been needed for many years, and today’s announcement is a major step toward making them a reality. The proposed additional €3.25 million will help bridge the final funding gap and move the project closer to construction.”
“This investment is about far more than elite sport. It is about children learning to swim, clubs growing, and communities having access to high‑quality facilities that support healthier, more active lives.”
Minister McConalogue said:
“This is hugely positive news for Galway. The Regional Aquatic Project will deliver long‑term benefits for families, schools, clubs and the wider community. It will also strengthen the region’s capacity to host competitions and support participation at every level."
“The Government is committed to delivering modern sports infrastructure across the country, and this proposed allocation is a clear demonstration of that commitment. I look forward to seeing this project progress to the next stage.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Project Components
The development includes:
- 35m x 25m Olympic Water Polo competition‑standard swimming pool
- Adjustable‑depth pool floor
- Sports hall and gym facilities
- Spectator area
- Sauna and steam room
- Coffee dock and community spaces
- Site landscaping and upgraded access routes
Funding Position
- Original LSSIF allocation (2018): €8m
- Updated total project cost: €19–€20m
- Galway City Council & philanthropic contributions: €8.75m
- Remaining gap identified: €3.25m
- Additional Government support proposed: €3.25m
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is examining how this support can be managed within the wider Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) programme.
Project Status
The project remains subject to:
- Completion of due diligence
- Final business case
- Tender documentation
- Legal and project execution requirements