From the Galway City Tribune – An update on plans for a ‘re-imagined’ Leisureland and Salthill Park will be unveiled later this month.

Galway City Council has confirmed that ambitious proposals for the 12-acre indoor and outdoor amenity are progressing and an update will be shared at the end of June.

In April of 2021, the local authority signalled to city councillors that it was drawing up new plans to incorporate both amenities.

A City Council spokesperson confirmed to Galway City Tribune this week that “progress is being made” on plans for this prime public space in Salthill.

Leisureland celebrates its 50th year at the end of June, and progress on the proposals will be unveiled to coincide with that milestone.

City Council Tourism Officer Ruairi Lehmann is driving the project along with acting Director of Services, Brian Barrett.

Over two years ago, councillors agreed in principle to the redevelopment to rival prime public spaces in other cities including Tivoli Park in Copenhagen, Millennium Park in Chicago and Zaryadye Park, Moscow.

Mr Barrett said at the time it will have a mix of uses that will serve the local community and act as a major catalyst for the tourism and hospitality industry in Galway

The concept presented to councillors outlined six major aims for the ‘re-imagined Leisureland’.

■ Drive economic activity in a way that will attract investment and enterprise to Salthill, in the process, increasing visitor numbers, visitor spend and local employment.

■ Enhance the community offering currently available on the site by increasing the green spaces for the local community and by improving the public facilities available.

■ Improve the seasonality of the tourist season by motivating both leisure and business visitors to consider Galway as an option in ‘the shoulder and off-seasons’.

■ Develop what is described as a ‘distinct differentiator’ for the Salthill facility. This would set the new Leisureland as different to the other destinations in Ireland, motivating visitors to pick Galway as a destination of choice.

■ The project to be developed on a ‘sustainable, robust, operational model’. This would help to develop Galway’s reputation as a ‘green, sustainable city’.

■ Improved connectivity would help to sustain the tourism industry and connect closely with the established tourism businesses to draw additional visitors to their businesses.

Engagement with relevant stakeholders and the public has been promised.