Questions raised over future of the Pálás after tender collapse

THE Galway Film Society has called for Galway City Council to spearhead a new management model for the Pálás after council officials confirmed that the preferred bidder selected to operate the cinema has withdrawn.

Published 20th May 2026, 15:44 BST Updated 20th May 2026, 16:32 BST The venue should be an inclusive cultural hub says Galway Film Society Chair Louise Casey Conneally. | Joe O' Shaughnessy THE Galway Film Society has called for Galway City Council to spearhead a new management model for the Pálás after council officials confirmed that the preferred bidder selected to operate the cinema has withdrawn. 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.

Galway City Council members were told that “things have changed dramatically since April” after the chosen operator withdrew due to the rising cost of refurbishment and upgrade works for what was intended to be “bespoke cinema experience”.

As a result, Louise Casey Conneally, Chair of the Galway Film Society, said the council should set up a centralised management structure, allowing local arts organisations to programme the venue over an initial trial period.

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“There has to be a centralised system that can facilitate demand, which the city council could spearhead, if they establish a core management team,” she said.

“Without a doubt there is enormous local demand for it. It would be fantastic. Run it for 12 months on a trial basis. See how the calendar fills up and how it can cover its cost and if they need to be subsidised for a year or two. I would be amazed if it didn't work. This needs to be a Galway initiative that knows the Galway audience.”

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She said the debate around the Pálás should focus on Galway’s wider shortage of arts and cultural venues.

“We are lacking venues in a city that is so reliant on the arts. The venue should be an inclusive cultural hub welcoming a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines and cultural expression.”

She pointed to the range of organisations and festivals that had already used the facilities since it effectively closed in 2025, including the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Comedy Festival and Ardán.

I would be amazed if it didn't work. This needs to be a Galway initiative that knows the Galway audience.

The venue could also support the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) and Cúirt, she said, as it is “ideal for festivals that are not purely film”.

At this month's meeting of Galway City Council, officials confirmed that only limited works would be required to reopen the building for the Galway Film Fleadh (GFF) in July.

In a statement, they explained that they are currently in discussion with GFF, after negotiations with the successful bidder collapsed following months of positive engagements.

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“The primary factor in this decision was the projected cost of the refurbishments the partner intended to undertake, driven by construction-sector inflation and wider market uncertainty linked to ongoing international conditions,” they said.

“Galway City Council acknowledges the time, due diligence, and constructive engagement demonstrated by the partner throughout the process, despite the outcome not concluding as all had hoped for.”

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Labour Cllr Níall McNeilis said it was “not good news” and stressed that the cinema remained “too important for the city”.

He urged the council to engage with cultural organisations including GIAF ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations next year and asked if the building “needed to be looked at” due to storm damage to the roof.

Run it for 12 months on a trial basis. See how the calendar fills up and how it can cover its cost and if they need to be subsidised for a year or two.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Crowe said the local authority had effectively exhausted the venue's commercial possibilities.

“No one could look at it commercially without significant subsidies from the local authority,” he said.

“It is time to cut the building loose. It has cost too much to date.”

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Independent Cllr Donal Lyons asked whether unsuccessful bidders from the previous tender process could still be considered.

The primary factor in this decision was the projected cost of the refurbishments the partner intended to undertake, driven by construction-sector inflation and wider market uncertainty linked to ongoing international conditions.

Fine Gael Cllr Eddie Hoare also sought clarity on the costs required to make the building “turnkey” for a future operator and said the Galway Film Society should be consulted regarding the venue's future use.

Meanwhile, the Galway Film Society said audience demand for arthouse cinema in Galway has been “phenomenal” in recent years. The society, which celebrated its 60th anniversary, recently moved its screenings to Nun’s Island theatre.

However, refurbishment works there have once again left the voluntary organisation without a permanent home.

“We are again homeless because of refurbishment works,” Louise explained.

“We would like to continue with our screenings. We have a hugely appreciative and supportive audience and we are confident there is demand for a lot more.”

Related topics: Galway City Council Arts Culture 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.