Plans for an ‘Aire de Service’ facility for campervans in Galway City will be advanced in the next three years.

Galway City Council has estimated it would need around €500,000 to develop a dedicated site for campervans and recreational vehicles to park overnight.

It’s understood the local authority wants to develop the stopover facility in conjunction with Ireland’s tourism body, Fáilte Ireland.

Typically, these types of facilities in France include running water, a waste disposal unit, including for sewage, and electricity power points.

Galway City Councillors are regularly critical of campervans parking illegally in the city, including along the Promenade in Salthill.

Late last year, elected representatives complained of excrement and litter generated from campervans was dumped at South Park in the Claddagh.

Campervans were also staying overnight on streets in residential areas in Renmore.

Campervan users are also critical of Galway, which is considered hostile to visitors in recreational vehicles because of its lack of facilities.

Plans for a new dedicated facility for campervans are listed in the City Council’s ‘Three Year Capital Programme 2026-2028’.

A ban on parking of motorhomes in Galway City was labeled a “ridiculous decision for the tourism capital of the West of Ireland” by former Galway City Councillor Noel Larkin (Ind) when it was introduced in 2024.

The then councillor pointed out that Galway’s twin city, Lorient, provided a choice of overnight parking facilities for visitors in motorhomes.

Phoenix Motorhome Club said the decision at the time showed Galway in an unfavourable light, and it was highlighted in the Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly magazine.

Separately, the new plan includes a new city tourist office at Eyre Square.

This project, previously revealed by the Galway City Tribune, will cost as much as €2.5m and will include new public toilets.

It’s understood planning for the tourist office will be sought by Fáilte Ireland this year.

Pictured: Camper vans parked on Rockbarton Road in Salthill is a common occurrence.