An arthouse cinema in Galway, that has cost the State almost 9 million euro, will finally open to the public next Friday.

The Pálás cinema has been steeped in controversy since the project was first mooted 14 years ago – having encountered funding shortfalls, contractual issues and structural difficulties.

Former Galway West Labour TD Michael D Higgins cut the tape to mark the start of construction in 2009, and the project received millions of euro in State funding, but came to a standstill several times before Element Pictures took over the project in late 2016 and agreed a 30-year lease on the cinema with Galway City Council.

The company also runs the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin.

The new cinema at Spanish Parade, with three screens, a coffee shop and a bar, is envisaged as a cultural hub for Galway.

Element Pictures is promising "an eclectic mix" of the best new Irish and international films, with classics, foreign language, animated films and special events.

Among the movies being advertised for the opening weekend are “Lady Bird”, “The Shape of Water” and “I,Tonya”.