Galway GAA is advancing plans to erect floodlights at the organisation’s flagship stadium in Salthill – more than a decade after proposals were first lodged.

The Galway County Board this week invited private contractors to signal their interest in delivering the floodlights project at Pearse Stadium.

The estimated value of the work, according to the tender, was around €8m. Contractors have been asked to register their interest before tenders are whittled down.

Galway City Council had granted planning permission for the project in 2014, despite objections by up to 100 neighbouring residents. This was appealed to An Bord Pleanála which backed up the Council’s decision.

Construction work never got going due to a lack of finance. The GAA then lodged an application to extend the time they had to carry out the works.

That was given the go-ahead by city planners who granted the County Board another five years to complete the work – until January 2025.

Last year, the ruling pact on Galway City Council allocated some funding in its budget for this year to go towards the provision of floodlights at the venue.

Mayor of Galway, Councillor Eddie Hoare, said the allocation of money was a ‘major step forward’ for Pearse Stadium floodlights. It would allow Saturday night National League matches to be played at the venue – they are popular with television stations involved in broadcasting live matches.

The permission is for the erection of three 30.5 metre and two 36.5-metre-high columns – each with between 33 and 40 lighting fixtures.

An Bord Pleanála ruled that the lights can only be used on a maximum of twelve occasions between October 1 and March 31 in any one calendar year.

They are for matches only, and not training, concerts or other recreational activity.

The lights cannot be used after 10pm, and restrictions have been placed on the level of illumination allowable.

It’s understood construction could commence later this year.

Pictured: Pearse Stadium under temporary floodlights for the Ireland v Australia International Rules match in 2006.