Rowing club plans to build upwards to ease space crux

Date Published: 17-Mar-2009

GALWAY Rowing Club plan to apply for permission to extend their boathouse bybuilding an extra floor to alleviate pressure on space – but they have not given up their long term goal of moving upriver to an alternative site.President Paddy Lally said the club has drawn up plans to move the gym and dressing rooms upstairs in the boathouse which would give maximum boat rack space downstairs.Last week they had to accommodate a new boat from Germany, a new Empacher 4, by squashing the others together, which is not ideal when dealing with such expensive equipment.“We are very, very crowded, we need to do something because we’re in limbo. We will consult with our neighbours before seeking outline planning permission from the council in the coming weeks,”Mr Lally stated.The club would have to raise funds to pay for any work on the boathouse, which is likely to take up to a year to complete if permission was granted – the club also have a clubhouse used for social events close by in Woodquay.