Galway City Council is to hold a Special Meeting on the local authority’s
new civic offices, on Monday next(14 July). At the meeting, it’s expected
that council officials will reaffirm that Crown Square remains the most
cost-effective solution to house staff numbers in Galway City Council –
including future recruitment.
A tender for fit out has recently gone to market, to deliver a highly energy
efficient building to provide services to the people of the City. The
building will feature modern meeting and public engagement facilities,
including upgraded AV systems, better public access, and improved space for
staff and civic events.
The need for new civic offices was identified in a Local Government Audit
Service 2017 Value for Money Report, which found that City Hall was at
over-capacity compared to other local authorities, at 2017 staffing levels –
which have since increased
A full assessment of long-term office needs led to the decision to purchase
a move-in-ready space at Crown Square, seen as the quickest and most
economical option.
The move avoids a combined estimated cost of €107 million by consolidating
four existing office sites into one. Refurbishing and expanding the current
City Hall on College Road—which is no longer fit for purpose—was
projected to cost €69 million. In addition, a further €38 million would
have been required to temporarily relocate staff to suitable office space
during the works.
A public information campaign is planned ahead of the 2026 move, alongside
ongoing staff and union engagement.
