Local TD, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, has received confirmation from An Post that it is anticipated that planning permission for the new Civic Arts Space to the rear of the GPO on Eglinton Street will be submitted later this year.
“While I was Minister with responsibility for An Post I reached agreement with the company that the old exchange to the rear of the GPO would be made available as a permanent Civic Arts Space for Galway,” she told the Advertiser yesterday.
“This is part of an entire redevelopment of the site which will deliver a new modern post office for the people of Galway, unlock unused land for development and also provide a new civic arts space for the city,” Minister Naughton said.
“While we are all frustrated at the delay, this is a very complex project which will benefit Galway for generations to come and, as a commercial semi-state business, the required procurement and legal processes must be followed by An Post. They are currently working through legalities with a preferred bidder,” the Minister indicated.
“An Post assure me that all parties are working to progress the project as quickly as possible. This Arts Space is just one of several elements in a complex development project involving significant construction and refurbishment on what is quite a constrained site.
“An Post had originally expected to be well advanced in the construction stage by now, however, 3rd party matters and technicalities have impacted the timeline and this is frustrating for everyone, including the Arts community in Galway. Notwithstanding that, An Post now expect the project to progress to the planning stage by Q4 of this year,” the Minister commented.
“This new development, once complete, will become a hub of activity which will benefit all walks of life in Galway. An exciting move from An Post, this location is a hidden gem and one which I am certain will unlock the potential of Eglinton Street and its environs. I am particularly excited for the arts community, and the team behind the Galway International Arts Festival, which have already demonstrated boundless initiative at this location in recent times with the support of An Post,” the Minister Naughton said.
“In politics, sitting back and complaining achieves nothing. My view has always been that delivery is what matters and I am very pleased to have delivered this project for the betterment of the people of Galway.”
