Galway City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to building a new community centre in Knocknacarra, saying plans are currently underway for a "significant" development.

City Manager Joe MacGrath.

In an update to the chamber on Monday night, City Manager Joe MacGrath said that they hoped to progress with the centre, which will require a multi-million euro investment, "as quickly as possible". He also clarified that the proposed site at Millars Lane was not currently owned by the council but would be available for purchase when needed.

He continued by saying he would produce further details to the chamber before the April meeting, including a financial plan and timetable for the completion of the project.

The news was welcomed by city councillor Catherine Connolly, who has long campaigned for a community centre in Knocknacarra. However, she expressed her disappointment that it had taken huge amounts of pressure to get a commitment from city officials since she first tabled a motion for an update on the development in October 2006.

"I will be closely monitoring this situation and insisting that from now on regular progress reports be given outlining the design, construction and provision of funds whether from the Development Levies, the Capital Fund and or other sources like the Capital Sports Grants. Moreover, community and sporting groups such as the Basketball Association should be consulted in relation to their interest in managing the Community Centre."

Cllr Connolly went on to question the status of the existing community centre in Shangort, and the whereabouts of the €300,000 handed over for the centre in the past.

"However, I am still waiting for the report on the current status of the existing community centre at Joyce's at Shangort and the monitoring if any that has taken place by the City Council to ensure there has been no change of use. Given the increase in population in Knocknacarra, which is now just over 22,000, there is an absolute need not only for the proposed Community Centre at Millars Lane but also the existing one in Joyce's Supermarket and the planned leisure complex in the Cappagh Lands. I have asked for a full report on the existing empty community centre at Joyce's, which was constructed in 2000 as part of the original planning permission but which was never handed over to the City Council or Community. Also, where is the €300,000, which apparently was handed over by the owner of Joyce's Supermarket some years ago?"

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