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 Transportation4.7 Galway Port Galway Port is an important transport facility. It also acts an important strategic regional hub for petroleum importation, storage and distribution and it serves the tourism industry as it is an important ferry port for passengers to the Aran Islands. An application for a significant 27 hectare expansion of the Port is currently at government level being accessed to determine if the compensatory measures would be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). If approved, this will give significant potential to diversify port activities, with particular regard to both the renewable energy sector and offshore wind energy opportunities. The establishment of land based infrastructure to service offshore energy will enable Galway Port to play a much greater role in supporting this sector in the future, which will become increasingly important to the region as the role of fossil fuels become less significant over time. Galway Port is identified as a Port of Regional Significance in the RSES and is an important centre of economic activity and an economic driver for the wider region. The RSES identifies the rail freight service from Galway Harbour as a strategic project in the RSES that will enhance accessibility and connectivity in the region to 2040. The Council will continue to support appropriate proposals for the improvement, development and extension of port facilities and supporting infrastructure to link in with the rail network and its potential to become part of the EU TEN-T Comprehensive Networks, subject to environmental review and considerations. Goods Vehicle Management The economic activity of Galway and the environs requires an efficient freight transport and delivery system. However, the city core with a historical legacy of narrow streetscapes is unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV). The GTS approach is that the city core area should be restricted to only those vehicles of a suitable size with destinations (or origins) in the city centre only. This needs to be developed in combination with management arrangements for routing and timing of deliveries, include for the application of innovation in logistics and include for an appropriate management and enforcement regime. This approach also requires to be future proofed in line with both the strategy for regeneration in the plan and the identified opportunities and guidance included for in the Galway PRS. The HGV strategy will need to consider the specific operational requirements of strategic businesses in the city centre such as Galway Port and other large scale activities that need reliable transport connections for the movement of supplies and outputs. This may result in the requirement for certain services/vehicular traffic to be restricted to dedicated routes only. Policy 4.7 Galway Port 1. Support proposals for development and extension of port facilities and an extension of the rail line to the port, which are of strategic importance to the City and the northern and western region. Policy 4.8 Low Emission Infrastructure 1. Support the development of low emission fuel infrastructure and associated technologies. 2. Support and facilitate the switch to Electric Vehicles through supporting the expansion of the Electric vehicle charging network at appropriate locations within the city in association with relevant agencies and stakeholders. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 117
- Sustainable Mobility and Transportation4.8 Specific Objectives Modal Change: Public Transport 1. Implement traffic management and infrastructural changes to facilitate the provision of the ‘Cross City Link’ as part of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and support any additional land requirements where deemed necessary through design along the associated routes and acknowledge that the objective to deliver the Cross City Link and associated traffic management and infrastructural changes has priority over other objectives including land use zoning objectives along identified routes, where they are in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 2. Implement traffic management and infrastructural changes to facilitate the development of a public bus network in accordance with the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and support any additional land requirements where deemed necessary through design along the associated routes and acknowledge that the objective to deliver the public bus network and associated traffic management and infrastructural changes has priority over other objectives including land use zoning objectives along identified routes, where they are in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 3. Facilitate the delivery of the Bus Connects Programme serving the City and the MASP area by securing and maintaining any required route reservations. 4. Develop the Tuam Road Multi-modal Corridor from Claregalway to Moneenageisha Cross via Joyces Road in conjunction with Galway County Council and reserve lands accordingly. 5. Provide for bus transport and infrastructure along the Western Distributor Road. 6. Identify appropriate locations in the city to accommodate tour bus parking facilities and drop off/pick up points in accordance with a proposed Tour Bus Parking Study. 7. Reserve lands parallel with the rail line from the city centre to the eastern city boundary for future sustainable transport requirements and to provide for possible commuter rail stops. 8. Provide measures to allow for the repair/replacement of Wolfe Tone Bridge in the interests of safety and accommodate pedestrian improvements where feasible. 9. Identify through a review of the Galway Transport Strategy the need for bus transport in areas of Galway City currently not serviced by bus transport to include rural Bushypark, Circular Road, Upper Ballymoneen Road, Menlough and other locations as appropriate. 118 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationSustainable Mobility-Walk and Cycle 10. Implement traffic management and infrastructural changes to facilitate the development of a cycle network including for a core, secondary and feeder network in accordance with the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and support any additional land requirements where deemed necessary through design along the associated routes and acknowledge that the objective to deliver the cycle network and associated traffic management and infrastructural changes has priority over other objectives including land use zoning objectives along identified routes, where they are in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 11. Provide cycle parking facilities at appropriate locations including the City Centre, District Centres, Neighbourhood Centres, close to public transport interchanges, schools, beaches, cemeteries and parks and where appropriate in residential areas. 12. Develop the National Greenway Network in the city, in particular the National Galway to Dublin Cycelway and the Galway to Clifden Greenway in conjunction with the NTA, TII and Galway County Council. 13. Ensure biodiversity and appropriate greening/nature based solutions are incorporated, into greenways, segregated cycleways and pathways where appropriate and ensure that paths and structures are constructed from suitable materials and incorporating a SuDS approach that supports and contributes to ecological connectivity and biodiversity. 14. Provide a pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing of the River Corrib adjacent to the Salmon Weir Bridge. 15. Provide a new pedestrian and cycle bridge on the piers of the Old Clifden Railway Line from the Headford Road Regeneration area to University of Galway campus. 16. Investigate the potential for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge from Gaol Road to Newtownsmyth. 17. Prioritise improvements to pedestrian movements and safety within the city centre including extension of pedestrianisation, provision of wider footpaths and shared streets. 18. Prioritise improvements to pedestrian movements and safety between the City Centre, Woodquay and Bóthar na mBan to the Headford Road Regeneration area. 19. Introduce segregated cycle lanes across the city, where possible. Galway Transport Strategy Measures 20. Implement the programme of actions and measures as provided for in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and on a phased and co-ordinated basis, based on priority needs. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 119
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationTransport Demand Management Measures 21. Re-organise car parking in the city in particular to reduce on-street provision in the city centre and along key sustainable transport routes as provided for in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS). 22. Expand the use of mobility management and smart technologies in conjunction with service providers and the NTA. Road and Street Network & Accessibility 23. Reserve the route corridor of the N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR) project as approved with conditions and modifications by An Bord Pleanála which accommodates the designated strategic road and the associated bridge crossing of the River Corrib. 24. Give priority to the reservation the N6 GCRR designed strategic road corridor and any associated land requirements over other land uses and objectives in the City Development Plan and prohibit developments within the designed strategic road corridor which could potentially prejudice the development of this strategic road and river crossing. 25. Investigate and develop road improvements, junction improvements and traffic management solutions in the context of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and strategic developments, to maximise the operating efficiency and safety of the network having regard to the requirements of all categories of road users and road network capacity constraints. Such solutions or interventions will be developed in conjunction with the relevant agency, such as the TII, NTA, and the Department of Transport and will, where necessary, be subject to the requirements and consenting procedures of the Planning and Development Acts and the Roads Acts. 26. Provide for upgrading of the Tuam Road (N83) from Bóthar na dTreabh (N6) to the city boundary and including the realignment of the Castlegar Road/ Tuam Road (N83) junction. 27. Facilitate a new access to Merlin Park Hospital from the Dublin Road. 28. Implement general road widening and street improvements for safety and convenience to facilitate improved infrastructure and safer environments for sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport. This also includes School Road, Castlegar, and Bóthar an Chóiste. 29. Complete the N6 Multimodal Corridor Improvement Scheme and scheduled upgrades to Martin roundabout to improve the functioning of the junctions, provide for pedestrian and cycle movements and to facilitate public transport. 30. Ensure that along the Western Distributor Road, new access points will only be considered where adequate traffic and public safety can be ensured, where the objective to provide bus lanes can be secured and where the proposal provides improved permeability and contributes to the public realm. Minimum distances between existing and proposed junctions of 100m will be required. 120 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and Transportation31. Implement the traffic management and infrastructural changes to facilitate the provision of the City Centre Access Network as part of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and support any additional land requirements where deemed necessary through design along the associated route and acknowledge that the objective to deliver the City Centre Access Network and associated traffic management and infrastructural changes has priority over other objectives including land use zoning objectives along identified routes, where they are in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 32. Reserve land for a strategic link road from Sean Mulvoy Road to Sandy Road, the location and alignment of which shall be based on optimum transport and sustainable planning and development considerations. 33. Investigate the possibility of o providing an additional/alternative access and egress for to Boireann Bheag estates, Roscam in order to help alleviate chronic traffic congestion on the Doughiska Road artery at peak times. 34. Galway City Council in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland will investigate the provision of a continuous foot path on the N84, Headford Road north of Bóthar an Cóiste. 35. Carry out an audit of the road network relative to pedestrian services and standards in all areas outside of the city centre and implement a programme of improvements in accordance with a scheme of priorities relative to accessibility, safety and convenience. Priority of investigation will be given to the following roads namely: Circular Road, Letteragh Road and Ballagh Road, Ballymoneen Road, Cappagh Road, Castlegar Road and all other local roads as deemed necessary. 36. Work collaboratively with Galway County Council and other agencies (TII and NTA) in the delivery of cycle infrastructure connections between the city and the adjoining rural towns and villages which may include with Oranmore along the R338, Bearna on the R336, Moycullen on the N59 and Baile Chláir on the N83 as will be considered under the imminent CycleConnects: Ireland’s Cycle Network Plan. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 121
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity120 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity55.1 Context 123 5.2 The Green Network 124 5.3 Protected Spaces 129 5.4 Control of Invasive Alien Species 134 5.5 Blue Spaces 136 5.6 Green Spaces 139 5.7 Community Spaces 140 5.8 Open Spaces 145 5.9 Agricultural Lands 146 5.10 Specific Objectives 147
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity5.1 Context The city has a diversity of open spaces and natural assets including coastline, woodlands, rivers, canals and streams. This natural capital offers a high quality environment within the city. It contributes to the distinctive character of the city, supports sustainable neighbourhoods and enhances the health and wellbeing of the population. It also adds to the attractiveness of the city for economic investment and as a visitor destination. It provides a range of valuable ecosystem services supporting biodiversity, pollination, water quality and food production. It enhances the resilience of the city to climate change through flood management and carbon sequestration and also has important amenity and recreation benefits. The National Planning Framework (NPF) recognises that nature and green infrastructure can provide long term benefits. The protection and enhancement of green infrastructure requires a sustainable, planned approach to development which retains the intrinsic value of natural assets and ensures that there is sufficient well planned greenspace commensurate with population growth and demand. The declaration by government of a climate and biodiversity emergency was a reaction to the global decline in biological diversity. The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (NBAP) attempts to redress degradation of biodiversity nationally by requiring public authorities to mainstream biodiversity into decision making and to ensure conservation and restoration of biodiversity. A primary commitment in the NBAP is to move to a level of no net loss of biodiversity through implementation of actions including for mitigation measures. In order to protect the quality of the city’s open spaces and natural resources and to provide for their sustainable management and enhancement, they have been linked together into a green network. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 123
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity5.2 The Green Network The green network approach seeks to manage and protect the environment to ensure the necessary balance between the preservation of the city’s natural heritage and recreation and amenity requirements. This approach reflects the interrelationships and multi-functionality of open spaces and natural resources in the city, recognising that the strategic linking of these spaces enables integrated management and supports connectivity and coherence. Through sensitive planning and management, the green network can protect important habitats and species, support biodiversity, provide opportunities for recreation and leisure, support climate action, provide aesthetic value and improve quality of life. Green and blue spaces contribute to the natural capital of the city. They play a significant role in the response to climate change providing nature-based solutions to address flood risk and increasing temperatures. They also help reduce noise and air pollution and make a contribution towards recreation and amenity in the city. The green network approach seeks to manage and protect the environment and in doing so, meet the requirements of a number of European Directives including Habitats, Birds, Water Framework and Floods Directives. It also supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 which sets out a comprehensive framework of commitments and actions to tackle the main causes of biodiversity loss. At national level it lends support to the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2025, National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. It is embedded in the MASP and at local level in the Galway Heritage Plan 2016-2021, the Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2024 and the Climate Adaptation Strategy (2019-2024). Figure 5.1 Green Network Table 5.1 sets out the range of different spaces that make up the green network. They define and form the landscape of the city and a fifth of the total land area within the city boundary is comprised of green space, designated protected habitats, recreation and amenity open space and agricultural land. 124 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityTable 5.1 Open Spaces within the Green Network Protected Spaces – European Designated Sites of ecological importance - SACs and SPAs – National Designated sites - NHA and pNHA – Local Biodiversity Areas - wildlife networks, corridors and stepping stones Blue Spaces – Coastal area – River Corrib, Terryland/Sandy River, canals and waterways – Lough Corrib and lakes – Enclosed marine and wetlands Green Spaces – Citywide Parks - Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen, Merlin Park Woods, Terryland Forest Park – Neighbourhood Parks – City Centre Parks Community Spaces – Greenways – Allotments and community gardens – Cemeteries – Recreational facilities and playgrounds – Protected views of special amenity value and interest Open Spaces – Civic spaces - Eyre Square, Fishmarket Square, Shop Street/Quay Street, Courthouse Square, – Woodquay, The Small Crane – Residential, commercial and industrial open space – Institutional open space – Microspaces – Recreation and amenity zoned lands – Agricultural and high amenity lands The green network includes a range of European, national and local sites of ecological importance that are important elements of the city’s landscape, forming part of an ecological network of corridors and stepping stones that allow for the movement of wildlife in the urban environment. The ecological sensitivity of open spaces varies and the Council will continue to ensure the conservation and protection of designated sites of ecological importance and habitats in the development of green network. Integrated into the green network is the range of blue spaces in the city which are significant natural resources comprising an extensive coastline, Lough Corrib, River Corrib, canals, streams and wetlands. Also integrated into the green network are community spaces which afford direct access to nature and recreation opportunities. Agricultural lands also contribute to the green network providing a natural backdrop to the city and supporting a diverse habitat. The City Council’s Recreation and Amenity Needs Study (RANS) 2008 provided a coordinated framework for the planning and management of recreation facilities and activities within the city. It developed a hierarchy of open spaces which is set out in Table 5.2. In view of the growth strategy for the city and evolving amenity needs, the RANS is scheduled to be reviewed and updated with a specific focus on a Green Space Strategy. The outcome of the strategy will be reviewed in order to assess if changes are required to the policies and objectives of this plan. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 125
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityTable 5.2 Open spaces within the Green Network Open Space Type Location Primary Purpose Three City Parks - Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen - Merlin Park Woods - Terryland Forest Park Large scale open spaces for passive and active recreation, wildlife conservation and education (over 10 hectares) Neighbourhood Parks Mixed sized parks located adjacent to residential areas e.g. Renmore Park, Cappagh Park, Mervue, McGrath’s Field (Knocknacarra), Ballinfoile Park, South Park, Shantalla. Parks formally designated for passive and active recreation (1- 10 hectares) City Centre Parks Central city locations including Kennedy Park, Millennium Children’s Park, Riverside Walk, Fr. Burke Park, Celia Griffin Memorial Park and Woodquay Small scale parks designated for passive and active recreation, streetscape value and civic function (less than 1 hectare). Enclosed Marine/ Wetland and Coastal Areas Sliverstrand to Roscam including Lough Rusheen, Lough Atalia, Ballyloughane Beach Naturally occurring environments used for passive and active recreation, bathing, shore fishing, wildlife conservation and education. Rivers, Waterways and Lakes River Corrib, canal systems, Sandy River and Ballindooley Lough Open spaces adjacent to river and canal system or means of access to river and canal system offering townscape value, water based sporting opportunities, passive recreation, fishing and wildlife conservation. Civic Spaces Eyre Square, Fishmarket Square, Shop Street/Quay Street, Courthouse Square, Woodquay, The Small Crane Urban spaces composed of soft or hard landscape treatment or a combination of both, offering venues for civic events or passive recreation. Greenways Greenways including coastal, river, canal and woodland walk and cycle ways These are established or potential amenity corridors facilitating non-motorised travel along linear routes (including rights of way), often with wildlife corridor importance along coastal areas, through woodlands and parks, river or canal corridors. Recreation and alternative circulation routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Residential Open Space Open space in residential areas occur throughout the city Provides for general amenity, biodiversity, passive and active recreation in particular children’s play. In general all open space lands above 0.2 hectares. (1/2 acre) in residential areas are zoned RA Recreation and Amenity. 126 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.