A decision is due next month on plans for a state-of-the-art new Tote building at Galway Racecourse.
The existing Tote is around 40 years old and is “showing its age” according to the Race Committee, and the City Council is currently considering a proposal for a modern new building measuring three times the size with a large bar and partially-covered viewing balcony.
“It is intended that the proposed development will replace the existing outdated Tote facility and result in improved race day infrastructure,” the application reads.
A total of up to 150,000 people attend the seven-day Summer Festival at Galway Races each year.
The existing Tote building occupies a prime position next to the betting and parade rings, but at approximately 40 years old, it is showing its age, is under-utilised and currently causes a bottleneck for people coming and going to the parade ring.
The ground floor of the new building will incorporate a large open-plan betting hall, Tote windows on three sides of the building, a large betting shop on the fourth side, coffee shop and toilets. The building will have a total of 76 Tote windows, 42 of these facing outwards onto the racetrack.
The first floor will have a large bar, with kitchen and cold room, balcony area and toilets.
“The replacement Tote building is merely to improve the visitors’ comfort and enhance enjoyment and will not result in any significant increase in numbers attending at peak times.
“The existing building is very linear and has 117 Tote windows, although a survey at the 2014 and 2015 Festivals revealed that on the busiest days, only 80 windows were utilised.
“The new Tote building would open up the space and improve access to the ring and would afford views from first floor level onto the parade ring and indeed the betting ring located adjacent.
“This will increase viewing and increase the atmosphere both pre- and post-race. The potential future enlargement of the parade ring and the creation of a more accessible pre-parade ring are not compromised by the location of the proposed Tote building,” the application reads.
A decision is expected from the City Council by mid-February, and if approved, the new building would be in place for the 2018 Summer Festival.
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