Galway swimming spot set for makeover with new toilets and car parks approved
The Long Point in Loughrea, Co Galway, has been approved for a makeover that will see more toilet facilities and car parks at the popular swimming spot.
The planning application was lodged to An Coimisiún Pleanála by Galway County Council in September 2024 and was approved mid-May 2026 with six conditions.
As part of the project, two of the three park entrances will close. However, major upgrades to the remaining one will accommodate increased traffic and provide a better flow in the facility.
In the proposal, a shared active travel route adjacent to the Lake Road will facilitate proper infrastructure for pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle commuters.
Three separate car park areas totaling 155 spots will be featured at the site with trading areas and bike parking.
Most notably, the project inlcudes an increase in toilet facilities.
Loughrea councillors and residents have long been calling for more toilet facilities open 365-days a year at the swimming spot.
The existing toilet and shower will remain and will join an 86sqm single story changing, toilet, and shower facility with an outdoor changing area.
Galway County Councillor Mogie Maher said the development would welcome a small retail or food shop to manage oversight on the toilets all year round.
Looking towards the development from Loughrea town side.
Alterations to the lake edge and beach were included in the original application as well as a circular viewing deck over the greenspace and lake however, under the approval conditions those additions are to be omitted.
Remnants of an existing kayak and SUP slipway was set to see a repair; however, it will remain as is per the conditions.
The Inspector’s Report found that if approved, those three alterations would be of “negligible impacts on the conservation objectives of the SAC.”
The planning application received two submissions from local residents who called to keep the existing green space as a child-friendly play area rather than a car park.
Additionally, the residents asked the planning authority to refrain from altering any parts of the beach, and that works be done in the off-season.
Following the development’s approval, expressions of interest are currently open for the retail space.
The Long Point was recently awarded another Blue Flag recognition. It was one of eight Galway waterfronts to receive it this year.