Development plan · Galway City Council
Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Galway City Council · 2023–2029 · 386 pages
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- Sustainable Mobility and Transportation1. Promote close co-ordination between land use and transportation through policies, land use zoning and objectives. 2. Support and facilitate the integration of land use and transportation in order to facilitate compact city growth, supported by sustainable modes of transport that will encourage economic well-being and ensure the movement of people and goods in a manner that is sustainable, safe and provides ease of access for all, enhances quality of life and supports a reduction in transport related greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Provide for the development of high volume, trip intensive, developments such as commercial centres and employment hubs at locations that will minimise the need, distance and time taken to travel and promote the use of sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport to access these locations. 4. Promote effective sustainable residential densities in the city particularly along and close to the existing and planned public and sustainable transport route network. 5. In line with Core Strategy and to give direction for future settlement expansion prepare Local Area Plans and masterplans where appropriate that includes for integration of land use with transportation. 6. Aim to achieve the concept of a ‘15 minute city’ where land use policies facilitate residents to access their daily needs within a 15 minute walk or bike ride and thereby reduce the dependence on car transport. These changes in tandem with improvements in active travel measures, such as walking and cycling and public transport are necessary to create positive changes. Creating opportunities for people to live and work in proximity to employment and services supported by a modern and efficient public transport network is fundamental to the success of Galway as a City, both in terms of a successful city of neighbourhoods and as the economic driver of the Region. This will also support the development of the ‘15-minute city’ concept included for in Chapter 3, allowing for the effective provision of services including public transport, employment, shops, community and education facilities to enable more sustainable patterns of travel and reduces overall travel demand. Implementation of the GTS measures will support the integration of housing with transportation, fostering sustainable transportation patterns. The Core Strategy has been informed by the GTS and provides for a co-ordinated approach with investment and the delivery of essential infrastructure, services and community facilities. It is predicated on consolidation within the established settlements at appropriate densities and the prevailing associated policies in the City and County Environs. The Strategy for the city supports NPF policy and promotes the three key regeneration sites - Ceannt Station, Inner Harbour, the Headford Road Regeneration area and other opportunity sites. The Ceannt Station and the Inner Harbour offer a sequential solution to the expansion of the city centre, linked with a transportation hub, reinforcing the prime role of the city centre in both the city and the Metropolitan Area and the wider region. The consolidation of existing residential areas and development of Ardaun to the east of the city utilising this approach will help to create future sustainable residential neighbourhoods, where the reliance on private transport is reduced and where services are provided locally, allowing access by walking and cycling. The alignment of land use and transportation is also supported in the Retail Strategy where a hierarchy of centres encourages easily accessible shopping and essential services. At a local level, the preparation of plans including Local Area Plans and Masterplans provide a framework for mixed-use development in conjunction with a transport strategy and use of sustainable densities at locations adjacent to public transport routes. These plans will ensure that sustainable patterns of travel integrated with land use will be achieved. Policy 4.2 Land Use and Transportation Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 97
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationModal Change 4.3 Public Transport The GTS establishes that the transport framework needs to increase a shift from car based movements towards sustainable transport modes including public transport. This change will require a collaborative approach between all transport stakeholders including in particular the NTA, TII and transport providers. The Core Strategy creates an enabling policy context in the Plan to support the implementation of the measures in the GTS that will in conjunction with infrastructural investment and service provision provide for a high quality, accessible public transport system for the city and environs and good connectivity onwards. The ambition is that through a combination of improved infrastructure, services and demand management measures that public transport and active modes will become more attractive and that a significant transfer from car use to these modes will occur in the city with the resultant benefits. Bus Network - Local The analysis undertaken as part of the GTS preparation considered all travel modes and a number of public transport scenarios and found that the city could be served more efficiently with high quality, high frequency bus services. The GTS proposes that bus frequencies will be increased to a 15 minute minimum during peak times and that bus stops will be within a 10 minute walk to where most people live. This involves the modification of bus routes to provide city- wide network coverage and connectivity to all parts of the city outside of the principal bus network. The Cross-City Link is at the core of facilitating this local network. It is a public transport corridor operating cross-city from University Road to College Road, which will provide direct services for passengers wishing to enter the city from both the east and west and provides infrastructure for bus priority measures along this corridor. The objective of the Cross-City Link is to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport along its length. Car traffic, which does not have a specific destination in the city centre, will no longer travel into the medieval core of the city between restricted hours – making routes safer for walkers, cyclists, and mobility impaired, and creating space for public transport to move freely. The Cross-City Link will be instrumental in increasing public transport ridership and active travel uptake to achieve a modal shift from car to sustainable modes. This is essential for the sustainable growth of the city to facilitate the NPF growth projections. This corridor will connect homes with places of work, study, retail and recreation, with improved public transport journey times and reliability. Regional, national and private bus operators, emergency vehicles and small public service vehicles will also benefit from the Cross-City Link as it will provide enhanced access for these modes. Using the existing bus route alignments as a starting point, a Cross-City Network was developed. This was based on linking the residential origins to the key destination locations. It reduces the number of bus services to five, making the network more legible for residents and visitors alike. These five proposed core bus routes are provided on the west, east and city centre as well as providing links to Bearna and Oranmore forming a Bus Network Corridor. All routes will serve major city centre attractions as well as linking all major destinations across the city and were designed to allow for cross-city interchange at key locations. Eyre Square has been identified as the main hub for bus transfers as well as bus/ train and bus/coach at Ceannt Station and Fairgreen Station. Other key bus transfer hubs will be located at University Hospital and University Road/Cathedral. The Cross City Network through the facilitation of new and existing bus routes offers a high-frequency bus service and has been retitled ‘BusConnects Galway’ as part of the NDP investment strategy and funding in the NTA programme for improvement of bus services across Ireland. The BusConnects Programme is a key part of Government policy to improve public transport and address climate change. Within the Galway City area, investment in bus infrastructure and services will be delivered through BusConnects and the relevant parts of the GTS. 98 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationBus Connects Galway will deliver the rationalised network of five high-performing cross-city public transport routes and will form the ‘fixed spine’ of future public transport in Galway. BusConnects Galway is advancing the development of this network plan and associated infrastructure. It will comprise of next generation bus lanes, a bus shelter program, enhanced services, cashless fares and account-based ticketing. Under the BusConnects programme, the NTA intend to upgrade the existing bus fleet to transition to a fleet of low emission vehicles which will reduce both noise and air pollution. Fig.4.1 Proposed Core Bus Routes, Source: Galway Transport Strategy 2016 (Note: The proposed core bus route through Merlin Hospital has consequently been amended to terminate at the hospital). Bus Network - Regional Investment in the bus services will be focused on improving connectivity between regional settlements, including Galway City and Dublin, and enhancing the reliability and the level of service within and between key settlements. For regional and long distance bus and coach services, journey speed and reliability are the crucial issues. The import role that Galway City plays as a Regional City, providing connectivity to a large hinterland is recognised in the RSES and the plan supports the major national public transport initiative, NTA Connecting Ireland: Rural Mobility Plan, which will increase connectivity, particularly for those living outside the major cities. Principal destinations of regional buses within the city will remain at Ceannt Station and Fairgreen Coach Station. These will be complemented by controlled drop off and pick up locations in the city centre area following investigation in the context of the designated access routes into this area. The proposed Cross City Link efficiencies will also enable a much better regional service. This incudes for traffic restrictions along College Road as proposed in the GTS, which will significantly benefit connectivity for these regional services in conjunction with the priority measures proposed for the local bus network coming from the west, including the restrictions proposed on Salmon Weir Bridge. This regional service offers a valuable service for tourists, particularly for trips to and from Dublin and Shannon airport and to other tourist destination cities and towns. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 99
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationThe GTS sees the attraction of these services being enhanced further by the provision of interchanges between regional and local public transport at key locations in the city centre. The infrastructure proposals provided as part of the local bus network will enhance the regional services also, as the regional buses will be able to avail of the priority routes in the city and others, such as that proposed along the Dublin Road. Sufficient access to and from the termini in the city centre will also be required to be provided. With a growing number of private tour coach services and private commuter coach services, the current set down/pick up arrangements need to be examined so that these services can be directed to more adequate locations which can be linked to existing and proposed transport hubs. Public Transport Hubs Ceannt Station is designated as a major transportation hub for both local and regional services. The redevelopment of the station recently secured funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) for Ceannt Quarter Regeneration. This will afford an opportunity to provide an integrated public transportation hub and multimodal interchange capable of accommodating enhanced inter-urban, commuter and rail and bus services linked to other sustainable transport modes such as walking and cycling. Additional dedicated bus bays are anticipated as well as associated car parking and set down facilities dedicated for public transport users. Creating a more efficient, connected and attractive public transport system through the promotion of transportation hubs will provide opportunities to offer a complete journey. A lower tier public transportation hub has been designated in the city near the Cathedral and future potential for additional hubs at key opportunity sites will be examined. These hubs will, in the future, have passenger facilities and will be important interchanges in the overall enhanced bus network of the city. 100 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationRail Galway City is a significant rail destination with direct intercity services to Dublin via Athlone and Limerick via Ennis. This plays a key role in offering sustainable travel alternatives for longer distance trips, providing improved interregional connectivity. It also provides a valuable commuter service to towns such as Ballinasloe, Athenry and Oranmore. The NDP includes for the Dublin–Galway rail lines to be subject to an examination to move to higher speeds leading to improved connectivity to regional cities through improved rail journey times. This is being further examined under the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review as well as the potential of the Western Rail Corridor, and the Council will support rail infrastructure improvements arising from that review. The potential for double tracking of the railway line from Galway City to Athlone with increased service stops between Athlone and Galway will improve commuter services. Although not included in measures as part of the GTS, the double tracking of the railway line from the city to Athenry, or a more limited accommodation of stopping bays is to be investigated for both passenger services and potential freight services from Galway Port. The facilitation of rail stops within the city which can support commuter services is also supported by the Council. The County Development Plan contains an objective to secure in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann (IE) improved rail infrastructure and services between Galway to Athlone. This project has attracted URDF funding and includes for a dual railway track and additional improvement works to include an additional platform and a passing loop at Garraune, Oranmore to ensure enhanced capacity and frequency of service. Such works to the line may also benefit the provision of a rail freight service from Galway Port and is a strategic project that would enhance accessibility and connectivity in the region. The recent Rail Freight 2040 Strategy includes for an ambitious vision positioning rail at the centre of Ireland’s freight transport system, recognising the sustainable benefits that rail provides as a contribution towards achieving Ireland’s climate objectives and wider strategic national outcomes. The RSES also supports rail upgrades in the region and acknowledges that there is scope for further improvements to be made to existing rail services, connecting the Galway, Castlebar/ Ballina and Sligo lines to Dublin and the rest of the Irish rail network. It also highlights the strategic importance of The Western Rail Corridor project and the contribution it would make in the realisation of the Atlantic Economic Corridor and the potential to link the economies of three major centres, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. The designation of Ceannt Station as a major mutli-modal transportation hub for the city is a key objective. The redevelopment of Ceannt Station Quarter as a multimodal transport interchange facilitating better integration with other public transport modes will involve rail services expanding in frequency. The commencement of planned upgrades at Ceannt Station have been given recent NDP recognition over the lifetime of this NDP that upgrade works will take place at three of the four major regional rail termini, including Ceannt Station. These projects will be funded through both NSO 4: Sustainable Mobility and also the URDF, which will improve the passenger experience greatly in conjunction with adjoining public service provisions. The function of the station when coupled with the adjacent site of Ceannt Quarter will act as a collective hub for interchange between transport services in the city. The GTS has made provision for periodic review to take account of emerging trends and any emergence of new development opportunities to reflect the change in circumstances of the evolving Galway transport network. The feasibility of a light rail option was included in the recent NDP, 2021-2030 with a commitment that this will be considered again as part of the review of the GTS, commenced in 2022. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 101
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationPark and Ride The delivery of Park and Ride sites on the periphery of the city are key to the implementation of the GTS and modal shift. They will reduce the amount of commuter traffic entering the city and thus contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion and emission levels. A park and ride location analysis has been undertaken which will enable the identification of possible areas within Galway City and its environs where such facilities may be suitable and site identification is ongoing with the NTA. Taxi Services The role of taxi services is important in the overall development of an integrated transportation system. They will be facilitated at appropriate locations within the city and will be required to be accommodated within major developments. Where appropriate, they will be able to use bus priority infrastructure. Grant Schemes made available in 2021 are supporting the uptake of electric vehicles in the Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) sector for taxis, hackneys, and limousines. This will help to initiate a transition to more sustainable vehicles in the public service in line with climate action requirements. Policy 4.3 Public Transport 1. Support the implementation of Bus Connects Galway and the overall bus transport network which will include for a high frequency cross-city network of services and all associated infrastructural requirements, traffic management and priority arrangements. 2. Promote the availability of the city bus network including the priority measures for use by the national, regional and tour bus services. 3. Facilitate public transport interchanges and associated proposals for transfer ticketing and flexible payment methods. 4. Prioritise the provision of park and ride facilities at appropriate locations so that they align with the bus network and cross- city link route to create the necessary modal shift to reduce car dependency. 5. Promote access to public transport services for those attending primary and post primary schools in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills 6. Ensure ease of access to all bus termini in the city centre and facilitate tourist coach drop-off /pick up locations convenient to the city centre that accommodates bus layover areas. 7. Support measures which aim to improve the service capacity of the Galway City inter urban rail transport network including for the development of commuter rail services, with a preference for a twin track approach from the city to Athenry. 8. Support measures to develop Ceannt Station as an integrated multi modal transport hub which facilitates easy interchange between national, regional and local transport services. 9. Continue to support taxi services at appropriate locations including proximate to public transport corridors and where feasible permit use of bus priority infrastructure. 10. Support the modal change to public transport under the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) through modal change targets for walking, cycling, and public transport within the lifetime of the City Development Plan. 102 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and Transportation4.4 Sustainable Mobility - Walk and Cycle The GTS acknowledges that road improvements alone will not address traffic congestion issues and that investment in public transport, walking and cycling networks is also needed to improve traffic management and to encourage a shift to more sustainable modes. In this regard the GTS has prioritised both public transport and active modes as alternatives over private car usage for a range of trips within the city. Prioritising active travel measures and applying the DMURS (2019) design guidance and road user hierarchy will foster the development of a safer, more attractive, efficient, and connected transport system, while simultaneously encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing transport emissions. In Galway, the compact urban form of the city and the relatively flat topography allows for great potential for both walking and cycling for these modes to become the preferred choice of travel, in particular for short trips. The focus on these modes will support the concept of ‘15-minute city’ and allow for people to walk and cycle to key destinations in a direct and easy manner. With appropriate design, streets can also contribute to the creation of attractive, accessible and liveable neighbourhoods. This approach accords with the NPF and the need to pursue a compact growth policy supported by sustainability mobility measures including networked cycle and walking links and progressively reduce the dependency on car-based transport. At regional level the RSES highlights the importance of walking and cycling in facilitating modal shift to more sustainable transport options and the benefits these modes can have for healthier lifestyles, better traffic management, enhanced community environments and in mitigating climate change. The strategy also identifies the potential economic and tourism opportunities that greenway and blueway projects have within the region. Within the MASP, the expansion of shared-bike schemes is promoted as a potential scheme that can make a positive contribution to connectivity and sustainable transport and mobility. The RSES acknowledges that places with extensive cycle infrastructure report higher levels of cycling and better health which in turn, creates economic value by appealing to a skilled workforce and attracting innovative companies. Cycling National policy gives guidance on measures to create a strong culture of walking and cycling. Promotion of these active modes in ‘Smarter Travel – A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020’ included for a series of actions that were aimed at ensuring that alternatives to the car are more widely available, mainly through a radically improved public transport service and through investment in cycling and walking. This policy was supplemented by the National Cycle Policy Framework (2009-2020), National Cycle Manual (2011), Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, DMURS (2019) and all supplemental advice notes, and Permeability Best Practice Guidelines (2015). The aim of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy which replaces Smarter Travel and the National Cycle Policy Framework is to develop a new policy framework that better supports sustainable mobility – linking more people to more places, for more of their journeys and promoting increased use of active travel and public transport. These all promote cycling with the aim to maximize permeability and connectivity for cyclists, to create safe direct links to road networks and greenways and to provide additional cycle parking and infrastructure. The delivery of the identified GTS Cycle Network is supported in the Core Strategy of the plan as it will play a critical element in developing a high quality, dedicated cycling network which is linked with existing and targeted settlement and employment areas. The Council is currently progressing the Cycle Network project through a dedicated project team, supported by the NTA Cycling Office and a range of funding streams including the NTA grant supports for sustainable transport measures and URDF funding. The network will give priority to cyclists, both for commuting and as a leisure activity and will when delivered encourage the uptake in cycling. The Cycle Network will also incorporate improvements to pedestrian facilities. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 103
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationThe GTS includes for a core, secondary and feeder Cycle Network which supports each other and reinforces connections across the city and environs. Where possible the proposed routes are fully segregated from motor traffic. In other locations, the network includes on road cycle lanes or sharing facilities with bus lanes. Where it is proposed to limit traffic, particularly in the city centre, the cycling environment will become much safer and more attractive. Chapter 5: Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity sets out the policies for the development of other greenway networks which identify key connections and linkages and have more of a recreational function, some with a capacity for walking only and some with potential for both walking and cycling. Figure 4.2 Proposed cycle Network (GTS 2016) (Source Transport Strategy 2016). The primary network focuses on the provision of segregated safe routes and connections from dedicated cycleways and footpaths to existing networks linking schools, workplaces and residential areas as alternatives to vehicular transport. These are designed to accommodate medium distance journeys. This level on the network also includes for two greenways providing connectivity for cyclists to and from nearby towns, one west to east linking Bearna and Oranmore and onwards, and one to the north crossing the River Corrib towards Moycullen. These align well with the national approach as defined in the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways (July 2018). The focus of this Strategy is on the delivery of Greenways that are of strategic significance on a regional or national level but which in turn can facilitate the development of linked and complementary local cycle networks that are being delivered outside of the strategy. The city greenways in the GTS can seamlessly link in with both the Connemara Greenway and the Galway to Dublin Greenway, both of which are at various stages of progression. While these greenways may be designed specifically for the needs of cyclists in terms of gradients and surface, they are also intended for use by pedestrians, wheelchair users and children in buggies. Feasibility studies regarding the city greenway routes are currently being progressed in conjunction with the NTA and TII. As well as supporting active tourism, recreational opportunities and links to places of interest, the sections of greenways close to and within the city will also offer opportunities for use as commuter options for work and education. Funding opportunities for greenways are being provided from a number of sources including the Department of Transport, TII Strategic Greenways, the NTA for active travel, and from an agreed pedestrian and cycling allocation from the BusConnects programme. The delivery of the GTS greenways will include for a co-ordinated approach between national agencies, Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Additional primary routes in the cycle network include cross-city routes to the north of the city, a city centre route and some key north to south links. 104 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationThe secondary network provides for connections from residential areas and areas of employment to the primary network accessing key destinations. Feeder links have been identified on streets and roads that are highly constrained or suited to other modes, and need to cater for cyclists too. Cycling and electric cycling combined have enormous potential to facilitate a high proportion of daily trips. To maximise this potential the appropriate infrastructure will be required in conjunction with coordinated policy provision as included for in the plan. The NDP 2021-30 recent commitment to €360 million a year for active travel measures will help to enable a significant modal shift to cycling and other sustainable modes with the corresponding benefits for climate action, health and air quality. This will also be facilitated through the NTA’s forthcoming Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Other supporting measures for cycling include schemes such as the Public Bike Share Scheme ‘Coke Zero Bikes’ introduced across the city centre in 2014, which has been extended to 338 bike docking stations across 23 locations. This scheme will be progressed in partnership with the NTA and in the context of ongoing demand to facilitate enhancement of facilities and expansion of the current network to include for additional locations throughout the city. Increased public cycle parking provision in the city centre and at other important destinations throughout the city will be key to ensuring that the policy of the 15-minute city concept is achievable. Providing convenient cycle parking near bus stops and at key locations across the city, including at education locations, transport hubs, employment areas, commercial and community hubs and where appropriate in residential areas. This will be essential to the success of the network and needed to encourage the uptake in cycling. This was recognized in the recent 2021 NTA investment to support Parkmore Improvement works for cycling and infrastructure at this high employment area as identified in the Parkmore Area Strategic Transport Framework, 2019. Planning policy and development management standards will support the necessary integration of the cycling network and infrastructure into existing and planned developments. Where local area based transport solutions are required for areas of high employment, educational areas, or other high traffic areas, these will be supported also, subject to normal development management assessment. Walking The compact, walkable nature of the city, coupled with the high student population has contributed to the Galway sustaining a relatively high walking mode share of 23% of all trips taken. It is a key objective to increase on this level through enhancement of the pedestrian environment for all users. Measures in the GTS include the reduction of traffic volumes, improvement and prioritisation of pedestrian facilities to incorporate permeability and linking of walking networks in the city core. This will enable extended opportunities for pedestrianisation, improvement in the quality of the public realm, increased priority and safety for pedestrian facilities, in particular at junctions and crossings, and application of universal design principles to support the whole journey approach. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 105
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationThe benefits of pedestrian priority have been experienced already in the city centre in the pedestrianised zones, along the riverside walkway, canals and at Salthill. The GTS includes the need to improve on this and to give priority to the pedestrian network and the associated environment. Safe access and improved permeability will also be secured through a number of new river crossings. These include the pedestrian and cycle bridge south of the Salmon Weir Bridge, which commenced construction in 2022. This new bridge will facilitate an opportunity for a safer and higher quality crossing for the 9,000 pedestrians and cyclists who currently use the existing Salmon Weir Bridge. The proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge on the piers of the old Clifden Railway line from Woodquay to University of Galway will link places of study, work, retail and recreation by sustainable modes of transport, bringing vibrancy and new areas of public realm. The bridge, which has attracted URDF funding, will link in with the existing walking route along the River Corrib and ultimately the Connemara Greenway and also play a key role in connectivity in the GTS cycle network. In addition to the GTS measures, there is also an objective in the City Plan for a new bridge crossing linking Newtownsmyth and Gaol Road, which can contribute to the regeneration of Nun’s Island. At Wolfe Tone Bridge, a cantilevered pedestrian bridge crossing is currently at design stage in order to provide safer and improved pedestrian crossing facilities adjacent to the existing bridge. The implementation of the Public Realm Strategy (PRS) (2019-2040) complements many measures in the GTS. This Strategy provides a vision of place, design guidance and outlines project proposals to improve Galway’s streets and public spaces. It identifies a number of opportunities to create usable spaces out of existing highway and parking areas including at Woodquay, Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square North and at the Small Crane, which could be transformed to deliver a better pedestrian experience and high quality public realm. It also includes proposals to rejuvenate the city centre streets and existing civic spaces such as at Fishmarket. Central to the design process will be the promotion of universal design to help open up the city centre to all and make getting into and moving around the centre much easier. The implementation of the strategy has attracted investment support through the recently secured URDF funding. 106 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
Source Galway City Council: Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029 (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.