Newcastle marks milestone: 'We built it on the shoulders of those before us'

FLECKS of soil scattered through the air as Minister Dara Calleary turned the first sod on what was a historic occasion for the Newcastle community.

Published 4th Jul 2026, 13:30 BST Updated 5th Jul 2026, 21:31 BST Mike Shaughnessy FLECKS of soil scattered through the air as Minister Dara Calleary turned the first sod on what was a historic occasion for the Newcastle community. 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.

The ceremonial sod-turning may have marked the official start of construction, but builders were already hard at work, prompting the Minister to remark that this was one project that clearly meant business.

“Congratulations on getting to this point,” he said. “I am always wary when there is no builder on site, but not here.”

There was a strong political turnout for the occasion, with even the now-retired Heather Humphreys in attendance.

The project, supported by the Newcastle Combined Community Association and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, consists of a main entrance hallway, a sports and general-purpose hall, a café, welfare facilities and dedicated meeting rooms.

The €5.3 million centre will be located beside the existing Croí building on Moyola Park Lane, close to the Galway Educate Together and Fairlands Park.

It will sit on a 0.82-hectare site that was acquired by the Newcastle Combined Community Association (NCCA) and the contract has been awarded to Burns Construction and Civil Engineering.

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Secretary of the NCCA Brendan Beatty, said he felt a sense of disbelief that the sod had finally been turned.

“There is disbelief and delight,” he said. “The Newcastle, Dangan and Circular Road footprint has been evolving without a community centre. It is a big thing that was lacking – but not for the want of effort – going back to 1973 when the first estates were being built.

“It's great to see members of the original committee here, although some have passed on. We have built it on the shoulders of the people who went before us.

“The enthusiasm was amazing and that didn't wane. Because of the evolution of the area, we were beginning to wonder would it ever happen.

“We had great support from local and national politicians and it took their foresight, along with the drive of the committee. I am delighted so far and will be even more delighted in 18 months' time.”

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For Monsignor Peter Rabbitte, the event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the area.

“This is a sign of the persistence of the local community,” he said after the speeches had finished and the dust settled.

“It will be a place for young and old to gather for different activities. There is a huge, transient population around here because of our closeness to the University of Galway.

“Given the whole rental situation, there is a danger that the sense of community might be lost. Students have their own facilities and, with so many living in rental accommodation in Newcastle, the new community centre will be an anchor and a base for permanent residents.”

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For Sarah McGinley, Principal of St Joseph's Special School, the creation of a park and sensory garden will provide a safe and accessible place for pupils to visit.

And she described how the café and community hub will create new vocational opportunities for students at the school.

“Our children will be able to go for walks in the sensory gardens,” she explained, “and it was great to be consulted on the project.

“We are excited that our pupils will be able to avail of vocational opportunities – many of whom have an autism diagnosis.

“They will be able to train in front-of-house reception, gain barista and hospitality skills, and develop experience in general maintenance and horticulture.”

Former Mayor of Galway City and Newcastle resident Martin Quinn said he is thrilled with the progress to date.

“This is an opportunity for the community to have its own identity,” he said. “We would love people to be involved, to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. We have a good working relationship with our neighbours and that cooperation will still be there.

Local Cllr Eddie Hoare (FG) said it was a historic day for the community.

“This has been a project I have championed and prioritised since being elected to Galway City Council and I’m so happy to see it progressing to the development stage.

“The volunteers in Newcastle and the wider community deserve enormous credit for continuing to push this project forward for over 50 years.

“This facility is a legacy project which will be used for generations to come.”

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