WORK ON KNOCKNACARRA SPORTS CENTRE PLANNED FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR

Date Published: 15-Apr-2008

Work could begin on the proposed Knocknacarra Sport and Leisure Centre early next year, last night's meeting of Galway City Council heard.A presentation about the facility, planned for the Western Distributor Road, was given to Councillors by James Smyth Architects.A public - private partnership is seen as the best route to build the facility which has been in the pipeline for some years.The latest plans outline a pool, sports hall, gym, changing rooms and meeting rooms.There will also be changing rooms for Millars Lane Football Club which uses the pitches across from the planned site for the centre.While all Councillors unanimously supported the scheme, some were concerned about the time-frame for the project.Councillor Daniel Callanan says people living in Knocknacarra have had "many false dawns"Funding for the project will come from both public and private sources.City Manager Joe McGrath says discussions will be held with the developers and residents in the area between now and July.A planning application is expected to be lodged in the next few months and by November, the Council hopes to have the planning and funding aspects ironed out.If all goes to plan, work should begin on the Knocknacarra Sport and Leisure facility in early 2009.