Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D. has today announced construction is to start on the UrbanLab project at the University of Galway.

The works are a milestone in the plans for the Galway Innovation & Creativity District, led by the University in partnership with Galway City Council and funded under the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

The UrbanLab is the first project to commence on site as part of the €4.3million URDF funding investment for the Galway Innovation & Creativity District. It involves the redevelopment of an old mill building at the University of Galway on Nuns' Island in Galway city. The historic property dates back to the 1850s and originally formed part of the Persse’s Distillery complex.

The redevelopment will see it brought back into use as a dedicated and flagship space in which to bring together communities to work on new ideas and solutions for city life.

The UrbanLab will focus on innovation in sustainable urban development, public and community engagement and interdisciplinary research and collaboration between the University, the City and the diverse communities who live in, work in and visit it.

Minister Browne said: “The UrbanLab is an exciting and timely initiative. The commencement of works marks a key step forward in shaping a resilient, inclusive urban future. The UrbanLab, housed in this beautiful historic structure, supported by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, is a flagship initiative by the University of Galway focused on sustainable urban development, community engagement and interdisciplinary research. It brings together communities to work on new ideas and solutions for city life. The UrbanLab will be a shared space where people can learn, talk, and do research together.”

Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said: “The concept behind the University of Galway UrbanLab is a powerful expression of the opportunity that we can afford to our city and community to develop solutions which can transform Galway and the wider region, both to live and work in. The Government’s Urban Regeneration Development Fund makes that happen and we look forward to people coming together to imagine and shape a better Galway.”

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said: “This project is a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration between the University, the Council, based on real community feedback contained within the Nuns' Island Masterplan. With URDF support, we are restoring a historic building and transforming it into a dynamic space for innovation, engagement focussed on sustainable urban development. The UrbanLab will help us shape a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking Galway.”

Dr Pat Collins, Lecturer in Economic Geography at University of Galway, said: “At its heart, the UrbanLab is about the people of Galway having a voice in shaping the future of Galway. This will be a space to meet, to learn, to decide and to dream about what a better Galway might look like.”

Local building contractor, McNamara Construction, have been appointed to the construction project. Works are expected to be completed in early 2026.

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