The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, have announced a proposed additional €3.25 million in Government support to advance the long‑planned Galway Regional Aquatic Project.

The extra funding would close the remaining gap identified by Galway City Council and allow the scheme to move towards the construction phase, subject to due diligence, final business case approval and tender documentation being completed.

Planned facilities include a 35m x 25m Olympic Water Polo competition‑standard pool with an adjustable‑depth floor, a sports hall, gym, spectator amenities, sauna and steam room, along with a coffee dock and community spaces. The development also provides for site landscaping and upgraded pedestrian and cycling access.

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Minister O'Donovan said: "This is a potentially transformational project for Galway and for the wider west. Modern, competition‑standard aquatic facilities of this scale have been needed for many years, and this announcement is a major step toward making them a reality. The proposed additional €3.25 million will help bridge the final funding gap and move the project closer to construction.

"This investment is about far more than elite sport. It is about children learning to swim, clubs growing, and communities having access to high‑quality facilities that support healthier, more active lives."

Minister McConalogue said: "This is hugely positive news for Galway. The Regional Aquatic Project will deliver long‑term benefits for families, schools, clubs and the wider community. It will also strengthen the region's capacity to host competitions and support participation at every level.

"The Government is committed to delivering modern sports infrastructure across the country, and this proposed allocation is a clear demonstration of that commitment. I look forward to seeing this project progress to the next stage."

Under the current funding profile, the project originally received an €8 million allocation from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) in 2018. The updated total project cost is estimated at €19–€20 million. Galway City Council and philanthropic sources have committed €8.75 million, leaving a €3.25 million shortfall, which the new proposed support would meet. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is assessing how this can be managed within the wider LSSIF programme.