Developers plan to demolish church in Eyre Square revamp

The plans also involve the creation of a new public square set around the original St Patrick’s Church, which is now disused.

However, the Diocese of Galway has issued a statement to say that no approach whatsoever has been made by the developers and the Diocese has no plans to "sell, deconsecrate, demolish or move St. Patrick's Church, the 'old St. Patrick's' Church, the associated parish houses or the adjacent graves".

In a submission to Galway City Council, the Comer Group and McHale Group – who jointly own more than 30 properties in the block to the east of the Square – say the current church would have to be “re-housed”.

“A suggested masterplan proposes new pedestrian streets in a north-south and east-west configuration through the site to encourage and reinforce linkages with the existing urban grain.

“One of these routes is on the alignment of St Patrick’s Avenue with a new public square created around the original St Patrick’s Church building, which would provide a public/cultural focus for the area."

Their plans for the 6.5 acres bounded by Prospect Hill, Bóthar Uí hEithir and Forster Street involve the creation of a new East Quarter with ground floor shop units opening out onto a public square, and walkways leading to each of those areas.

Around 100 submissions were received by the Council on the Draft Development Plan – under legislation, at this stage in the process, only modifications which are “minor in nature and would not have significant effects on the environment” can be made.

Chief Executive Brendan McGrath is currently preparing a report for councillors which will be discussed at the end of November. The Development Plan is expected to be adopted at the beginning of December, and comes into effect four weeks after that point.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Diocese of Galway spoke of the "hurt" at learning of the Comer/McHale proposals after reading today's Galway City Tribune, and it has not had any approach from the developers.

"The Diocese of Galway and the Parish of St. Patrick fully understand and absolutely share the deep sense of hurt, surprise and upset felt by many faithful and good people of this old city parish on reading the City Tribune today.

"Property Developers may draw up plans and make proposals but, in this matter, they have lacked the most basic elements of common courtesy.

"Neither the Diocese of Galway or the Parish of St. Patrick's has been approached or consulted in any way about a so-called 'plan' to acquire and demolish this Church property.

"Neither the Diocese of Galway or the Parish of St. Patrick's have any plans to sell, deconsecrate, demolish or move St. Patrick's Church, the 'old St. Patrick's' Church, the associated parish houses or the adjacent graves.

"Neither the Diocese of Galway or the Parish of St. Patrick has engaged in any process, discussion, surmising or agreement with anybody, developer, politician or otherwise, on these matters," the statement reads.

You can read the Comer/McHale submission under the Draft City Development Plan HERE.

For more on the Eyre Square East Quarter plans and the City Development Plan, see this week's Galway CIty Tribune