Deputy Frank Fahey Opens New HQ for Western Regional Fisheries Board in Galway
Deputy Frank Fahey will today open the new head office of the Western Regional Fisheries Board in Galway. The building, known as ‘Teach Breac’, which cost €1.28 million to construct, replaces the 19th century listed building, Weir Lodge, which the Board previously used for office accommodation. The old building was built as an angling lodge only and was unsuitable for office use and no longer adequate for that purpose. The Weir Lodge will remain as part of the Galway Fishery facilities under the management of the Board.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board sought planning for the building nearly five years ago and secured €1.0million in grant aid from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources towards the construction costs. Chairman of the Board Lal Faherty said this morning that the new building was “a tribute to the team involved in the construction project both within the Board and the architects and engineers who had ensured that the building was completed to a very high standard”. Mr Faherty went on to add that “the Western Region is an extremely important area with the best wild brown trout fisheries in the country just a stones throw from the new offices and many other important angling resources located throughout the region”. The new office will provide up-to-date energy-efficient office facilities for management and administrative staff, as well as adequate space for meetings and training. The new boardroom, which overlooks the River Corrib, is also available for use by other organisations for meetings.
Speaking ahead of today’s opening, CEO of the Board Dr. Greg Forde said “This represents the completion of a very significant milestone in the life of the Fisheries Service and a clear indication of the commitment of the Department towards fisheries management in Galway.”
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