Extension & Refurbishment of Council Chamber at Galway County Council, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway

Description

The works consist of the construction of a 29m2 extension to the rear of the existing Council Chamber at Galway County Council’s Áras an Chontae. The proposed extension is located within the existing light-court within the building, not visible from the public realm. The proposal provides for partial demolition and rebuilding of arear wall to the chamber and a reduction in the external open space in the light-court. This space is not accessible to the public and is for the purpose only of providing daylight and ventilation, as per its current use. The purpose of the extension is to provide an enlarged council chamber to accommodate an increase in the membership of Galway County Council to 39 Elected Members following the Local Elections held in 2014. The extension consists of a render finished block-work outer leaf, insulated cavity with a structural 215mm inner block-work leaf carrying the roof load and fixed to a ground floor slab. The existing roof over the plant room will be removed to facilitate the insertion of a new steel roof structure. This roof will then be replaced and extended over the new section making good to the existing. The existing Council Chamber will be renovated through the removal of the existing seating and its replacement with new desks and general furniture as well as mechanical and electrical upgrading and internal decoration.