The City Council is seeking a contractor to progress the refurbishment of Galway City Museum and the redevelopment of the adjacent, historic building, Comerford House.

With an overall investment of €10.2 million, including €6.64 million from Fáilte Ireland – the tourism authority’s largest single allocation to date – Galway City Council is seeking a contractor for the project which will see the establishment of the Atlantic Museum Galway.

The City Council will award a contract for the project which comprises several components including:

  • the refurbishment of Comerford House to provide exhibition spaces and museum visitors and staff facilities;
  • the construction of a three-storey steel framed aluminium clad building above the archaeological site adjoining Spanish Arch;
  • the remodelling of the square between the existing museum and Spanish Arch into a public space and
  • the upgrade of the existing Galway City Museum.

Last autumn I had the great honour of launching this ambitious project with Fáilte Ireland, the City Council and the team at the City Museum. This project will transform and rejuvenation the locality, will showcase the story of Galway and will highlight the influence the Atlantic has had on our city and County.

Tourism has endured a difficult year because of Covid-19 and the progress on this significant project is most welcome as we strive to support the many businesses and jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector in Galway and the West.

The selection and appointment, by the City Council, of a suitable contractor with experience of working on historically and archaeologically important sites is a major step forward for this exciting project.

With a new three-storey, interactive museum at Comerford House, a new viewing platform at the top of Spanish Arch and the remodeling of the ‘Museum Clós’ or square will provide an exceptional experience for both visitors and locals.

September 15th is the closing date for applications from contractors and I look forward to work commencing on this development which is scheduled to take two years.