Tender process opens for Indreabhán education and youth centre
Multi-million euro Gaeltacht project moves to procurement stage following planning and design completion
6 February 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
The tender process has commenced for the construction of a new Education and Youth Centre in Indreabhán, Co. Galway, marking the next phase of a significant public capital project in the Gaeltacht.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, confirming that contractors are now being invited to tender for the delivery of the facility. The scheme forms part of three major capital projects funded under the revised National Development Plan, approved by Government in July 2025.
The development will be delivered on an Údarás na Gaeltachta site at Indreabhán, where Coláiste Lurgan is currently located. The proposed centre will comprise a multi-purpose hall suitable for sports and events, classrooms, kitchen facilities, offices and associated parking. The building is intended to operate as a year-round educational, youth, sports and community facility, with seasonal use by Coláiste Lurgan during the summer college period.
Funding was approved in 2023 to allow Údarás na Gaeltachta to progress detailed design and secure planning permission. With these stages now complete, the project has moved into procurement.
Ownership and long-term management of the centre will rest with Údarás na Gaeltachta. The facility is expected to support youth engagement, community activity and Irish language promotion at local, regional and national levels, aligned with the objectives of the Irish Language Public Services Action Plan published this week.
Speaking in Indreabhán, Minister Calleary said the opening of the tender process represents a key milestone for one of the Department’s flagship capital investments. He confirmed that the project is a priority alongside the new pier at Inis Oírr and the Irish Language and Cultural Centre on Harcourt Street in Dublin.
Údarás na Gaeltachta chief executive Tomás Ó Síocháin said the centre will strengthen provision for young people in the Gaeltacht and enhance the agency’s capacity to meet growing demand for Irish-language education, development and social infrastructure.
No construction cost estimate or delivery timeline has yet been published, with further detail expected following completion of the tender process.
