This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Taoiseach Micheal Martin will be in the city on Friday week to officially launch the Crown Square development in Mervue. (30/5)

The project has been more than twenty years in the making, having been significantly impacted by the recession.

In 2006, Galway City Council gave the go-ahead for the Mervue site to be developed into the largest commercial project the city had ever seen.

But, as recession hit in 2008, the project faltered and died – and remained little more than a vast hole in the ground for more than a decade.

The site was in NAMA ownership for a considerable time, but eventually plans were approved for the current site and building started once again.

Now, it’s a vibrant plaza, consisting of office and apartment blocks, a hotel and extensive public landscaping.

For some, Crown Square has maybe become more well-known in recent years due to the ongoing controversy over Galway City Council’s decision to relocate there.

It’s been a long and difficult road for the project – but it now finally comes to an end on Friday week, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin set to officially cut the red ribbon.