Galway City Council has announced that the tender for the construction of the new Newcastle Community Centre has been awarded to Burns Construction & Civil Engineering, and that works have commenced onsite.

Dara Calleary T.D, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, officially turned the sod on the new development.

The development, supported by the Newcastle Combined Community Association and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, consists of a main entrance hallway, a sports/general purpose hall, a café, welfare facilities, and dedicated meeting rooms, delivering a modern, fully accessible, health-focused hub for residents of all ages. External works include car parking and creation of a park and sensory garden as well as a future astroturf pitch. The building will be located beside the existing Croí building on Moyola Park Lane, adjacent to Galway Educate Together school and Fairlands Park.

Construction will be carried out by Burns Construction, with works now formally underway following a competitive tender process. The development sits on a 0.82-hectare site acquired by the Newcastle Combined Community Association (NCCA).

Significant preparatory works have already been completed by the NCCA in advance of the sod-turning, including the construction of an entrance road, roundabout and 28 car parking spaces for shared use with the neighbouring school, a 240-metre perimeter wall, landscaping including tree and shrub planting, an overhead powerline diversion, and the diversion of the existing stormwater system to the site perimeter.

The project has been deemed fully consistent with the Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029 and represents the culmination of decades of sustained campaigning by the local community.

Former Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said: “This is a great day for the people of Newcastle and for our city as a whole. Community infrastructure like this strengthens neighbourhoods, supports families, and provides spaces where people can come together, learn, participate and thrive. The new centre will be a focal point for sport, culture, social connection and community life. I want to acknowledge the tireless work of the Newcastle Combined Community Association and all who championed this project over many years. Today’s progress shows what can be achieved when community and Council work hand in hand.”

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive Galway City Council, said: “The construction of the new Newcastle Community Centre marks a major milestone for Galway City and Newcastle community. This project reflects decades of community commitment and a shared vision for high‑quality, accessible facilities that support wellbeing, inclusion and lifelong participation. With the support of the Newcastle Combined Community Association and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, we are now delivering a modern, fully accessible hub that will serve residents of all ages for generations to come. Galway City Council is proud to bring this long‑awaited development to fruition.”

Seamus Davey, Chairperson of the N.C.C.A also welcomed the development, saying: “On behalf of NCCA CLG (Newcastle Combined Community Centre), we are delighted to see the sod turning and the commencement of construction of the Newcastle Community Centre and outdoor facilities. It has been a long journey, and this Centre will play a vital role in enhancing and strengthening local amenities, helping to revitalise and invigorate the community.”

The development is expected to be completed in Q3 2027.