Galway Bish School Project Awaits 2027 Tender Tranche Following Planning Approval

The proposed new school campus for St. Joseph's Patrician College in Galway remains under capital review ahead of a 2027 tendering decision.

Providing an update in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Michael Moynihan confirmed that the project is at Stage 2B, the detailed design stage. Following the confirmation of planning permission in December 2024, Stage 2B documentation was submitted to the Department of Education and Youth in April 2026. The submission is currently undergoing technical and cost assessments in accordance with infrastructure guidelines.

Devolved to the Le Chéile Schools Trust for delivery, the proposal involves relocating the school from its current Nun's Island location to a new site at Dangan via a land-swap arrangement with the University of Galway. The design provides for a purpose-built facility accommodating more than 1,000 post-primary students and includes four special education classrooms.

Department officials recently notified the school that the scheme remains under review within National Development Plan parameters and capital investment prioritisation. Deputy Moynihan noted that the next tranche of school capital projects authorised to proceed to tender will be announced in 2027, informed by updated demographic figures, capacity requirements, and a national energy and condition inventory.