Re: Re: Eyre Square – What’s going on?
Work to recommence on Eyre Square
29 September 2005 12:55
Work on the controversial Eyre Square redevelopment project in Galway is to get under way again next week.
It came to a standstill three months ago following a dispute between the main contractor and the city council.
The council says another construction company will begin work on the €9 million scheme on Monday and it expects it to be completed early next year.
The city centre makeover will see Eyre Square finally transformed from what was once an enclosed Georgian square into a 21st Century plaza.
However, arguments about the design still continue with opponents arguing for a return to a St Stephen’s Green-type model, rather than the development of a European-style open plaza.
But the council is now pressing ahead with the plaza option. SIAC Construction will move onto the site vacated by Samuel Kingston Construction in June, and complete the project by March or April next year.
The council has not given any indication of the additional cost caused by the delay, but it is understood to be over €500,000.
A city council spokesman dismissed suggestions that it could be as much as €2 million. He said full details would be given to councillors in the coming weeks.
City Manager Joe McGrath said the completion of the scheme would give Galway one of the country’s finest city centre plazas.
