Connacht move one step closer to dream stadium after submitting application

Connacht have taken another big step forward in redeveloping the Sportsground after submitting a planning application to Galway City Council for the redevelopment.

The planning application comes after a detailed design process and extensive public consultation carried out in conjunction with technical advisers, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and Chapman Architects while the public consultation has included a stadium composition survey, briefings to elected officials, establishment of designated email address to deal directly with submissions, individual and group meetings with residents, a public engagement session held in the Connacht Hotel in October and an extensive media campaign. The Sportsground redevelopment will cost in the region of €30m and the allocation of public funds is viewed by the club as an essential component to the delivery of the project. The new facility will include a new stadium with capacity for 12,000 spectators, with a new high-performance centre and greyhound racing track. Commenting on the progress of the project, CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane said: “Following the design phase and extensive engagement and consultation with the public we have now formally submitted our planning application to Galway City Council for the redevelopment of the Sportsground. Since the public announcement of the project in early October we have received widespread support from the public and elected representatives for the development of the stadium and delivery of a high performance training centre. Our public consultation has also allowed us to really engage with local residents and address issues or observations that they raised”. Ruane also said that he welcomed the launch of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund and added that the province have already presented an outline of the project to members of the Oireachtas including the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who has been supportive of the development and of its strategic benefits to the entire region. The fund will be open for applications until April 2019 and a minimum of €100m is being provided. The new fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities.