Welcome to the August issue of our Neighbourhood Update for University of Galway Learning Commons Project.

JJ Rhatigan have been appointed as Main Contractor for the project. The Project will provide a new Library/Learning Commons building, along with a new Security Building immediately adjacent to the Learning Commons site. The works associated with the new Learning Commons building and the new Security Building include the following:

Learning Commons Building

• A new building that extends to circa 10,328m2 and ranges in height from 4 to 6 storeys, including 2nr. covered entrance plazas on both the north-east and south-east elevations.
• Ground floor that incorporates a catering area/café, an exhibition space and a Learning Success hub.
• Upper floors contain individual and group study areas, seating areas, book pick-up station, book collection areas, teaching and learning space, office space and auxiliary spaces.
• An external roof-top amenity space is located on the fourth-floor element of the southern elevation. Plant and photovoltaics are included at roof level.
• The development also includes provision of 2nr. disable carparking spaces for the building with an additional 2nr. to support the Sports Centre Building in the vicinity.

• New soft and hard landscaping, including an external amenity space located in the north-west of the site.
• The development includes all associated site engineering works including nature-based drainage proposals and ancillary works.
• An automatic storage retrieval and return system (ASRRS/ Bookbot) vault/room.

Security Building

In addition to delivering the new Learning Commons Building, the project will also deliver a new Security Building on a separate brownfield site immediately adjacent to the Learning Commons building site. The new Security Building consists of the following;

• A total gross floor area of circa 145m² comprising of a waiting area and reception, storage facilities, sitting area, offices, workshop, phone booth, disabled WC and shower area, gender neutral toilet and showers, changing rooms and lockers and plant room.
• Photovoltaic panels on the roof of the new Security Building.
• The development includes the provision of 1nr. sheltered bus stop, the provision of 3nr. Carparking spaces (including EV charging points and 1nr. accessible carparking space).
• The provision of pedestrian footpaths, bicycle parking, site landscaping, services and all associated site development works.

Start Date

JJ Rhatigan commenced on site on May 13th 2025 and the development will be over a 2 year period.

All the necessary Health and Safety systems and traffic management will be put in place to ensure your safety at all times during these works.

Construction Work Hours

Monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm

Saturday – 9am to 1pm.

Health, Safety & Environment

As the Main Contractor the health and safety of our workers and the public is a top priority for JJ Rhatigan. We have drafted a traffic management plan that will be implemented for the duration of the construction works to minimise the impact on the public and local residents. The site will be fully secured for the duration of the works and the vast majority of the works will be carried out within the confines of this area.

It is important that children understand that construction sites are not a safe place to play, and they should not try to enter construction sites at any time. We would appreciate parents’ assistance in getting this point across to young children.

JJ Rhatigan & Company is proud to support and cooperate with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to commit to care regarding the appearance of our site, respect the community in which we work, protect the environment by our methods of working and choice of design and materials, secure everyone’s safety and value our workforce. We strive to maintain the highest standards on all our projects.

Upcoming Works

JJ Rhatigan will be providing regular Neighbourhood Update to give our neighbours, campus community and general public, information on the works to be carried out.

The ground floor slab is approximately 50% complete at this time. Both Tower Cranes were successfully erected earlier this month and are in daily use. The reinforced concrete structural framework has commenced and is ongoing with Staircores 1 & 4 Jump Formwork.

We apologies in advance for any inconvenience the construction activities may cause and to thank you for your patience and consideration. Please be advised that it is our policy to ensure that all efforts be made to ensure minimal disruption to the neighbourhood for the duration of the construction period.

Project Queries

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.