The contentious battle for community and leisure facilities for the 15,000 people living in Knocknacarra has taken a fresh twist this week. Galway West Deputy Frank Fahey has said a multi-million euro state-of-the-art facility could be built in just 12 months time if the council opt for private sector involvement.  

Galway Deputy Frank Fahey addresses local media at a press briefing in the Clybaun Hotel on Monday. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Deputy Fahey made the claim as he revealed details of a €13.5 million project, earmarked for a site beside Knocknacarra shopping centre, which was rejected by the city council.

The plans for a pool, leisure centre and community centre were knocked back despite a minimal cost to the council of just €1.4 million. Similar proposals have been repeatedly rejected by the council over the past ten years.

Deputy Fahey said the latest proposal earmarked for a site beside the Knocknacarra shopping centre by the Moritz group was the “most comprehensive proposal to date” and was “extremely attractive from the city council’s point of view”.

The Moritz group in conjunction with the Galway-based company Swimworld hoped to construct a €13.5 million facility, complete with 25 meter pool, children’s pool, fitness area and treatment rooms.

The plans also include a community centre for the local area with a gym, meeting rooms, changing rooms and a creche. The city council would have to pay a fraction of the cost, just €1.4 million, and in return would have ownership of the completed community centre in turnkey condition along with the Knocknacarra Community Association.

Waterford City Council provided the site and invested €5 million in the venture. They are also paying an annual subsidy towards the running of the facility of €125,000 a year. After 25 years, it will be handed back to the council. The project was hailed as “excellent news for Waterford”, according to the then City Mayor Hilary Quinlan.

The ongoing saga has divided the Knocknacarra community. Last month, the city council voted to become the lead agents in the long awaited project to build a community centre at Millar’s Lane, at the same time putting the nail in the coffin for the public private partnership proposals. The plans do not include a sports centre. Deputy Fahey has called on the council to reconsider this decision.