Advertisements seeking ‘expressions of interest’ from individuals or groups seeking to acquire the Tourist Office located in Salthill are to be published by the Galway City Council.
The site was leased in 1999 to Fáilte Ireland for a nominal yearly rent provided that the site was used as a tourist office facility.
At Monday’s city council meeting, city manager Joe O’Neill informed the councillors that following legal advice, it would be possible to seek termination of the lease for the tourist office site as it has not been used as a tourist office for the past two years.
He also stated that Fáilte Ireland and Liam Twomey of Galway Atlantiquarium have been in discussion regarding a proposal to provide a penguinarium beside the Atlantiquarium at Toft Park.
He also pointed out that an initial planning assessment indicates that this proposed facility would be compatible with the zoning on the lands which is recreational and amenity.
Fáilte Ireland has stated that this proposal would be “a welcome addition to the tourism offering in Salthill” and the council would be willing to recommend the disposal of the land subject to compliance with competitive tendering procedures and receiving a reasonable price for it.
These developments have been welcomed by Galway City West councillor Donal Lyons, who made the initial request to cancel the lease, by way of a notice of motion, which was passed unanimously.
“As a local public representative I have been very supportive of the Salthill business initiatives in promoting Salthill as a tourist destination,” said Cllr Lyons.
“The site of the Tourist Office has great potential and if it is not going to used for the intended purpose, I believe it is essential it is returned to the ownership of the council and that a possible alternative tourist attraction be placed on the site.”
