Galway City Council will have to come up with half a million euro if it wants to advance a project for a new pitch for St. James GAA in Mervue.
Initial works are earmarked to begin early next year - but less than a quarter of the funding needed has been secured so far.
The matter was raised at a meeting this week by Councillor Declan McDonnell.
He claimed the club isn't happy that the long-awaited project is taking so long and asked if it could be moved up.
He was informed that the City Council met with St. James in August, and a timetable was set out that would see works get underway in Q1 next year.
But it was admitted there is somewhat of a hefty challenge facing the project.
Funding of €148 thousand has been secured through Sports Capital Grants - but the overall cost of the project is actually estimated at €650 thousand.
Director of Services Patrick Greene said that further talks are needed with St. James, to potentially explore possible funding options through the club.
Other options could include a direct allocation in Galway City Council's 2024 budget which will be debated in December.
But that could be a tall ask, as the local authority is already looking at a deficit of €7m and Councillors could have to make difficult decisions as to how that gap will be closed
