Redevelopment of Sportsground will be a huge boost to Galway – Naughton

Connacht Rugby has revealed plans for a €30-million redevelopment of the Sportsground, which will transform its home into a top-class 12,000-capacity stadium and high-performance training centre.

Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Hildegarde Naughton, who is a season-ticket holder at the Sportsground, welcomed the announcement as a huge boost for Galway and the west.

“As someone who regularly attends Connacht matches, I’m very aware of the need to provide facilities at the Sportsground to match the team’s outstanding performance in recent seasons,” she said.

“The venue regularly attracts sell-out crowds and it’s simply not capable of providing players or spectators with the facilities and experience that either deserve, despite recent improvements and government investment.”

Deputy Naughton said that the new plans would result in both sporting and economic benefits to Galway and the broader region, with Connacht Rugby already estimated to be worth €34.4 million to the regional economy.

“The pride and enjoyment that people in the west derive from Connacht Rugby can’t be measured, but there is a tangible economic benefit to the city, county and wider geographical region,” she explained.

“Connacht Rugby directly employs 130 people itself, making it a sizeable employer. But the economic spin-off is huge, and the team’s future success on the field will be shared by businesses and individuals throughout the area.

“The announcement of plans for the redevelopment of the Sportsground is a key part of that future success, making this an extremely exciting time for us fans and other potential beneficiaries in the region,” said Deputy Naughton.

She said that the new facility would be made available to other sports organisations, which she described as a “very positive and central aspect” of the proposal. The existing greyhound-racing facilities will also be retained.

“The management team at Connacht Rugby deserve huge credit for all the hard work that has gone into this plan. Special praise is also owed to the freehold owners, the Galway Agricultural and Sports Society, and the Irish Greyhound Board, for coming together with rugby representatives to make this plan possible,” she said.

The project will be financed by a combination of public and private funds. Deputy Naughton said that she has already begun working to secure government funding through the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.

“I am totally committed to doing all I can to make this project a reality,” she said. “I have already begun working to secure government funding for the plan, and I have organised a briefing in Leinster House on October 17 with a view to gaining the support of other Oireachtas members.

“The Taoiseach will also be meeting with Connacht Rugby representatives, and he will be fully briefed on developments,” added the Galway West TD.