Minister Calleary announces commencement of next phase of major development in Galway Gaeltacht
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 6 February 2026
- Last updated on: 6 February 2026
- Minister confirms that the tender process has commenced for the development of an Education and Youth Centre in Indreabhán, Co. Galway
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today announced that the tender process has commenced for the next phase of the multi-million euro development of an Education and Youth Centre in Indreabhán, Co. Galway.
The project is one of three major capital projects being delivered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht with funding secured by Minister Calleary under the revised National Development Plan in July 2025.
The project will consist of building a modern, high-quality centre comprising of a multi-purpose hall which can be utilised for both sports and entertainment events, classrooms, a kitchen, offices and parking on an Údarás na Gaeltachta site where Coláiste Lurgan is currently located.
In 2023, the Department of the Gaeltacht approved funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta to undertake the design process and obtain planning permission for this Centre it is now ready to move to the next stage.
The centre will be owned and managed by Údarás na Gaeltachta, and will be an educational, youth, sports and community facility outside the summer period – when it will be used by Coláiste Lurgan to run a summer college.
Speaking today in Indreabhán, Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted to be here in Indreabhán as we announce the next step in this major infrastructure project that will see tenders being sought to undertake this major work. This is a major step forward which will greatly benefit the area and the surrounding community. It will provide much-needed space for a range of community groups and activities in this Gaeltacht area, and will further strengthen the language planning process by providing spaces where events and activities are promoted for Gaeltacht youth and Irish language learners from across the country.
“This project is one of the Department’s flagship capital projects, together with the new pier at Inis Oírr and the Irish Language and Cultural Centre on Harcourt Street in Dublin, and it is a priority for me that they progress without delay.”
Tomás Ó Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO, said:
“This centre will provide excellent facilities for young people in the Gaeltacht. "Young people play a central role in the future of the Irish language and this investment demonstrates our commitment to their learning, development and social needs. The facility will also be a centre for learning and development at a regional and national level and will greatly enhance Údarás na Gaeltachta's ability to meet the demands that will arise in the wake of the Irish Language Public Services Action Plan just published by Minister Calleary's Department."