By Avril Horan

THE future of the derelict Tourist Office in Salthill will involve a change of zoning — from recreation and amenity to commercial use — and will require a formal variation to the City Development Plan.

Galway City Council officials said the zoning change would be requested, a move that Cllr Peter Keane (FF) described as “a very welcome departure.”

Councillors were told that “the site itself will be coming forward to change zoning from recreational and amenity to commercial”.

The shift marks a significant step as plans progress to demolish the existing structure after years of discussion and deterioration at the prominent seaside site.

Tourism Officer with Galway City Council, Ruairi Lehmann, confirmed they were waiting for the ESB to cut off power to the building, with the demolition contract already out to tender.

“Once the ESB cuts power,” he said, “we are in a position to knock it.”

Concerns about the building’s appearance were raised by Cllr Clodagh Higgins (FG) at the West Ward Area Committee meeting this week.

“Everyone is eager to see that eyesore gone,” she said.

She asked that the building be “wrapped” in the interim to improve its appearance and “take the poor look off it”.

While no firm plans have yet been announced, progress is being made toward regenerating this key location in Salthill’s seafront.

The property, which was once leased to Bord Fáilte for use as a tourist information centre, has stood vacant for years.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Salthill Tourist Office