‘Premature’ board picks for Galway aquatic centre raise funding concerns
A newly approved aquatic centre in Galway is seeking board representation from city councillors. However, the lack of secured funding leaves concern over appointing representatives before any contractual binding.
The €20 million facility, planned on Altán Road and Millers Lane in Knocknacarra, now faces a funding challenge to secure a loan to bridge a €7m shortfall.
Nearly €10 million has already been obtained through grants and private donations, and discussions have taken place between Galway City Council and Culture, Communications and Sport Minister to secure match funding for the remainder.
Before the finances have been secured, two councillors and two executive members from Galway City Council have been asked to sit on the steering committee board as the project enters a design stage.
To mediate a conflict of interest, Director of Finance Helen Kilroy suggested removing councillor representation from that committee and instead placing them on the company board for the project.
Councillor Peter Keane and Councillor Donal Lyons were nominated as representation during the April council plenary meeting.
However, with funding not yet guaranteed, Cllr Keane said the delegations were “somewhat premature” given there is no formal assurance in place. He added that appointing board members at this stage could jeopardise efforts to secure the remaining funding.
“I would sooner make this decision after the funding has been set,” Cllr Keane told the chamber.
A nomination was nonetheless requested by the Department in order to allow the project to proceed to tender which will factor into determining the scale of any funds that may be made available.
The nominations of Cllr Keane and Cllr Lyons will stand; however, their roles will not be activated until the full funding package is confirmed, Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said.
Planning permission for the facility, proposed by non-profit group Forbairt Snámh Thiar, was approved in June 2025.
It will include a 35 x 25m pool, steam room, gymnasium, and coffee dock. Additionally it will host a variety of water sport teams in the vicinity of other pitches and sport amenities.
It paves the way for an “ideal synergy,” Dr Clarie Hillery, Chair of TRIBES Water Polo told the Irish Indpendent when the plans were approved.