Údarás agrees to plug the gap so Galway college can continue

An artist's impression of what the new Colaiste Lurgan would look like.

placeholder image — An artist's impression of what the new Colaiste Lurgan would look like.

Údarás na Gaeltachta has agreed to fund minor works to ensure that courses can continue this summer in one of the highest profile Irish colleges in Galway.

However the work to comply with fire safety regulations are just a sticking plaster to address a short term need when in fact an entirely new building needs to be built, according to the manager of Coláiste Lurgan, Micheál Ó Foighil.

Questions about Coláiste Lurgan’s future viability arose last December after Department of the Gaeltacht officials forwarded a series of very specific questions regarding the premises to its owners, Údarás na Gaeltachta.

While the building is substantially compliant with the Fire Services Act, there were some upgrading works that needed to addressed.

Four prefab classrooms had planning permission but did not have the required fire certificate.

Údarás na Gaeltachta receives €40,000 a year from the college to transform it into a centre where 2,000 students from all over the country flock to in order to learn Irish.

At its meeting last week, the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta said it had approved a capital provision for necessary refurbishment works to be carried out.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.