Galway City Council is set to commission a feasibility study in respect of a new €15-million swimming pool and leisure centre at Cappagh Park.
The two-storey extension of the existing sports facilities would see the development of a 34-metre swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym in what has been described as a regional aqua and leisure centre.
Local Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton described the proposed development as an exciting prospect for the area in addition to the existing facilities, which include a sports hall and all-weather pitch.
“The sports and leisure facilities at Cappagh Park have been a tremendous asset to the people of the locality since they were officially opened in 2013, and one of the pitches was upgraded to Astroturf just last year,” she said.
“The success of the project and the level of demand warrants further investment and development of the campus. The feasibility study is the first step towards a major upgrade of the facilities and the addition of a pool.”
Galway City Council is currently seeking tenders for the study, which will be conducted by a lead consultant with experience of similar projects. Technical, legal and financial advisers will also be engaged.
The study is expected to commence next month, and is likely to be completed in three months. A grant application for €10 million was submitted by the local authority last month.
Deputy Naughton said that she would be supporting the funding application, while the total capital cost of the development is expected to be €15 million. Additional parking facilities will be provided, while the existing playground will be relocated elsewhere in Cappagh Park.
“It’s envisaged that the new two-storey building would be connected to the side and rear of the existing facilities. The regional aqua and fitness centre would include a 34m by 25m pool suitable for water polo,” explained Deputy Naughton.
Existing facilities at Cappagh Park include a sports hall, multi-function room, meeting rooms, and a coffee dock area. There are adjoining dressing rooms and grass playing pitches.
In 2018, funding was secured under the Sports Capital Programme for one of the grass pitches to be upgraded to a 4G all-weather Astropitch.
