Galway Race Committee have announced the development of a new state-of-the-art West Stand at Galway Racecourse to replace the existing stand which was originally constructed in 1972.
The work which will include the demolition of the existing West Stand and the construction of a new grandstand facility is scheduled to start after the 2006 Festival, to be completed in time for the 2007 Festival.
Speaking at the launch, Galway Chairman, Mr. Raymond J. Rooney said: "When this project is completed, we will have redeveloped and enhanced every element of the Racecourse facilities for the public and racing professionals alike."
"In 1999 we completed the new Millennium Stand and this development was followed by the traffic and pedestrian underpasses which in turn was followed by a new weighroom and a media centre.
"We purposely designed this new stand to cater for the regular racegoers who attends the racecourse year on year and we would like to reward them and maintain their support by providing state of the art facilities for them at no extra cost.
"The ground floor and first floor on the new stand has been reserved specifically for our supporters. These floors without any cost whatsoever to our patrons will supply 700 free seats, bar facilities, snacks area, restaurant area, tote hall and toilet facilities.
"The upper floors will house panoramic restaurants built to standards that will rival any supporting developments in the world."
The total cost of the development will be in excess of €20million and will be grant-aided by Horse Racing Ireland to the tune of €10million.
