What's next for Galway's County Hall? Revamp moves ahead despite funding concerns

The multi-million euro refurbishment of Galway County Hall has moved to the next stage, but councillors have raised new questions over how the project will be funded.

Published 22nd Jul 2026, 09:00 BST Connacht Tribune The multi-million euro refurbishment of Galway County Hall has moved to the next stage, but councillors have raised new questions over how the project will be funded. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Key project management appointments expected to be made over the coming weeks as the €70 million refurbishment project continues to progress.

At the June meeting of Galway County Council, Cllr Shaun Cunniffe (Ind Ire) raised concerns about financing the costly refurbishment of county buildings and has since said that “we are financially in a very dangerous place”.

I asked the question the last time - where is the money? We are financially in a very dangerous place.

"The current costing is a minimum of €70 million for the new build," he said.

"I am concerned that we don't go too far down the road with this project without knowing the definite costs and also how we could pay for it."

He warned that Galway County Council has little financial flexibility to fund a project of that scale.

"We have very limited discretionary income and the only place we can get extra funding is from Local Property Tax or else rates. After that it's cutting services.

He said funding had not been adequately addressed since councillors agreed to progress the project last year.

“It is mentioned and referenced but it never really is discussed. I asked the question the last time - where is the money?"

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The council confirmed that appointing an independent project manager and cost manager is expected to be finalised this month.

They will explore all potential funding options for the project, including Government grants, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) funding and capital finance through the Housing Finance Agency.

An integrated design team is expected to be appointed in July or August, allowing the project to move into the next stage of detailed design, costings and the planning process.

Any proposed funding arrangements will be brought before councillors for approval.

“The Members will continue to have a key decision-making role in the project,” officials have said in correspondence to Cllr Cunniffe.

“A further update will be provided to the Members following the conclusion of the current procurement process.”

Last year, a new report favoured a major extension and full retrofit of County Hall at an estimated cost of €61.8 million as the best long-term option for Galway County Council, ensuring staff could remain in the city centre headquarters rather than relocating.

It recommended that remaining at a revamped Prospect Hill premises is the most cost-effective and sustainable solution, bringing all staff and services together under the one roof.

The plan proposes a 47,361 sq. ft extension and phased retrofits to be completed by 2031, allowing the council to terminate all leased offices.

The report found the Council’s current fragmented and aging office portfolio inefficient. Combined rents for Galway County Council premises, including Island House, Ballybrit Offices, and Centrepoint in Liosbán, amount to over €570,000 per year.

Council officials stressed that timing is critical as County Hall is nearing the end of its usable life. Flat roofs are in poor condition and require full replacement, walls and windows are thermally inefficient, floor finishes are worn, and ventilation is inadequate.

While functional, the building is dated, and the proposed renovations would upgrade both infrastructure and energy systems in a single, integrated project.

At the time, Councillors agreed to move to the next stage of the process, despite concerns from Independent Ireland Cllr, Declan Geraghty, who questioned whether a new greenfield site should be reconsidered.

They also noted that the plans are future-proof, with room for additional floors if needed to accommodate over 200 extra staff.

Meanwhile, Cllr Cunniffe has also argued that Galway County Council continues to lose out on Government funding compared with similar local authorities.

"Our local Ministers, TDs and Government councillors have accepted that we are underfunded with our allocation from Government of the national Local Property Tax Equalisation Fund, yet they won't stand up for Galway,” he continued.

"Similar counties receive a minimum of €5 million more than us per annum. We are financially in a very dangerous place."

A further update will be brought before councillors following the completion of the current procurement process.

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