A €12.6m investment in Galway City Museum has been hailed as a milestone for tourism, culture and economic development for the city and county, according to Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne.

Kyne, Fine Gael's candidate in the Galway West by-election, said: "This is exactly the kind of transformative investment that Galway has been waiting for. The redevelopment of Galway Museum will create a flagship cultural attraction that showcases the rich heritage of our city and region to visitors from across Ireland and around the world."

The funding, delivered with Fáilte Ireland and Galway City Council, is part of a project worth over €19.3 million that will turn the museum into a world-class, immersive visitor attraction in the heart of Galway City.

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Plans include a new three-storey extension incorporating the historic city sea gate; a revitalised Spanish Arch experience with a panoramic wall walk; the redevelopment of Comerford House into immersive galleries; a new public courtyard and event space; and contemporary exhibition areas featuring interactive storytelling and digital technology.

The project is projected to attract more than 1.76 million visitors over ten years, generate over €47 million in additional visitor spending, and support approximately 124 jobs through increased tourism activity.

"One of the most significant aspects of this project is that it directly addresses a gap that has long held Galway back, which is the absence of a large-scale, indoor, all-weather attraction capable of drawing visitors year-round," said Senator Kyne.

"The investment will change that, providing a family-friendly, weather-independent experience designed to increase repeat visits.

"With planning permission secured and a construction tender completed, this project is ready to deliver. The economic return speaks for itself.

"This is Fine Gael delivering for Galway, investing in our tourism infrastructure, creating sustainable employment, and positioning the city as a premier destination on the Wild Atlantic Way."