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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- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityCommercial and Industrial Open Spaces Throughout the city including IDA lands and St. James Health Centre Areas offering general amenity value often with landscape planting within the grounds of commercial or industrial developments. These areas can provide a setting for buildings and soften the visual impact of development and contribute to biodiversity. Institutional Open Space Throughout the city including University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) grounds and Merlin Park Hospital grounds These comprise of open space as part of educational, health, religious or residential institutional use, often with some access to the wider public. Cemeteries Throughout the city including St. James Cemetery and Rahoon Cemetery Graveyard or burial ground, often located adjacent to a church or within a churchyard providing a green area within the heart of the community. Recreational and Amenity Zoned Lands Located at the fringes of the city including Ballybrit Racecourse, Dangan Woods, Roscam Woods and lands at Kingston Areas zoned recreational and amenity, which do not fall into any of the above categories. Agricultural Lands & High Amenity Throughout the city including land at Menlough Castle and woods and lands at Roscam Lands used for agriculture purposes, often forming greenbelt, offering amenity, passive recreation and visual aspect, contributing to biodiversity. In the context of NPF growth targets for the city, the Council will continue to acquire lands zoned for recreation and amenity use or other lands with potential to enhance the quality of the green network, support connectivity, climate resilience and to provide additional sports and recreation facilities. Initiatives including the “Healthy Green Spaces”, “Green Flags for Parks” and “Greening of the Laneways” will be progressed in conjunction with local communities, schools and voluntary groups to enable the development of amenity spaces and support biodiversity. Opportunities for public/private partnerships will also be investigated where a high standard of recreation facility can be developed, including with public access. The green network plays an important role in sport and physical activity. The ‘National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027’ and National Physical Activity Plan (2021) sets targets and actions for increasing participation in sport for all ages and abilities. Existing and proposed active recreation facilities such as playing pitches, MUGAs, ball walls, tennis courts and running tracks are important facilities located within the green network which contribute to healthier lifestyles and social and community interaction. The review of the RANS will inform additional requirements for such facilities. The Galway Sports Partnership also has an important role in increasing participation in sport delivering programmes of activity, training and education opportunities and raising awareness. A range of clubs and leisure providers also help improve facilities and increase participation. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 127
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityPolicy 5.1 Green Network and Biodiversity 1. Support sustainable use and management of areas of ecological importance, parks and recreation amenity areas and facilities through an integrated green network policy approach in line with the Galway Recreation and Amenity Needs Study and where superseded by the Green Space Strategy, where it can be demonstrated that there will be no adverse impacts on the integrity of European sites. 2. Support the actions of the Galway Recreation and Amenity Needs Study and the upcoming Green Space Strategy with particular emphasis on the progression and completion of both the existing South Park and Kingston Land Masterplans. 3. Support the retention and enrichment of biodiversity throughout the city in recognition of the need to protect and restore biodiversity to increase the resilience of natural and human systems to climate change. 4. Support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2017- 2021 (and any subsequent NBAP) and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (2021-2025) and support the actions of the City Council’s Heritage Plan 2016-2021 and Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2024 relating to the promotion of ecological awareness, biodiversity and best practices. 5. Support climate action through implementation of nature based solutions that enhance biodiversity in the green network, including measures such as tree planting, SuDS, and the use of green infrastructure. Such measures will be informed by the Green Space Strategy. 6. Promote the integration of nature based solutions and green/blue infrastructure in all new developments as appropriate to contribute to the city’s climate resilience and require large scale development proposals to include a green infrastructure and biodiversity plan. 7. Ensure sufficient recreation and amenity open space for the future development of the city. 8. Achieve a sustainable balance between meeting future recreational needs (both passive and active) and the preservation of the city’s biodiversity and ecological and cultural heritage. 9. Continue to acquire and develop lands zoned for recreation and amenity use. These lands will be used predominately for public use, but opportunities for public/private partnerships will also be investigated where a high standard of recreation facility will be developed and where opportunities for public access is provided. 10. Support the outcomes of the Green Space Strategy and any objectives to progress delivery of new urban parks including an additional urban park close to the city centre. 11. Support the Healthy Green Spaces initiative which seeks to improve the quality of green spaces in the city, to enhance climate change resilience, aesthetic value, biodiversity and improve public health and wellbeing. 12. Improve accessibility to the City Parks, recreation and amenity areas and facilities and include for sustainable modes of transport, where appropriate. 13. Retain, extend and enhance opportunities for recreation within the green network for all members of the community including people with disabilities. 14. Retain where appropriate the grounds of schools, colleges, sports clubs and other institutional facilities for recreation and amenity use allowing for increases in the capacity of the institutions or clubs and for policies in relation to CF zoned lands. 15. Co-operate with the NPWS, landowners and stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of management plans for designated European sites. 128 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity16. Promote the multi-use of indoor and outdoor (both private and public) recreation and leisure facilities and amenities to accommodate a diverse range of recreational needs. 17. Enhance linkages and connectivity within the green network identified in Table 5.1. 18. Promote public art, cultural events and exhibitions as an important part in the design of facilities, open space and amenities. 19. Ensure that all passive and active recreational proposals are considered in the context of potential impact on the environment, sites of ecological and biodiversity importance and general amenity. 20. Ensure that notwithstanding land use zoning objectives, significant change of use from existing recreational facilities will only be considered if it is clearly demonstrated that either the loss of such a facility would not have an unacceptable impact on recreation and amenity provision in the city, or if an alternative facility is provided of equal or preferably superior benefit to the local community or the city’s hierarchy of facilities and amenities. 21. Support the actions of the Galway Sports Partnership Strategic Plan. 22. Support the actions of the National Physical Activity Plan (DH, 2021) and National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (DTTS, 2018). 23. Continue to implement measures to increase and restore biodiversity in open spaces and road verges through the no mow grass management initiative, and ornamental pollinator projects such as the perennial bulb planting scheme. 24. The Council will pursue a range of funding sources, by way of development contributions and other Council income, along with Exchequer and EU funding to support the implementation of the plan. Where appropriate, the City Council Annual Service Delivery Plans will be focused on the delivery of the Plan objectives. 5.3 5.3.1 Protected Spaces The City has a diverse range of habitats and species of national and European importance which are protected by legislation. A key aspect of the plan is to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. Complementing this approach, the green network will seek to conserve and restore biodiversity, improve connectivity between habitats and reduce the effects of fragmentation which can lead to permanent loss of species. European Designated Sites The city supports a number of European designated sites and protected habitats, including Galway Bay Complex and Lough Corrib Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the EU Habitats Directive and the Inner Galway Bay and Lough Corrib Special Protection Area (SPAs), designated under the EU ‘Birds’ Directive. These areas host the natural habitat types listed in Annex I and habitats of the protected species listed in Annex II. They are part of the Natura 2000 network of ecologically important sites across the EU and they seek to conserve a range of sensitive habitats and species. Proposed plans and projects should consider DEHLG Guidance for Planning Authorities on Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland (2009) and potential impacts identified in the Natura Impact Report (NIR) of the City Development Plan relating to habitat loss and fragmentation, water quality, disturbance and in combination effects. The EU Habitats Directive promotes a hierarchy of avoidance/protection, mitigation and compensatory measures and is based on a precautionary approach. The Directive provides an auditing tool to help deliver sustainable development. It provides a case-bycase mechanism for recording the implications of development on a European site and its conservation objectives and facilitates the decision making process. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 129
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenitySpecial Areas of Conservation (SAC) – Galway Bay Complex SAC (Site Code 000268) – Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code 000297) Special Protection Areas (SPA) – Inner Galway Bay SPA (Site Code 004031) – Lough Corrib SPA (Site Code 004042) It is critical that there is continued protection and sensitive management of these sites, so that the sites’ intrinsic high ecological and biodiversity value is safeguarded and in some cases restored. The policies and objectives of the City Development Plan have been drafted taking cognisance of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. This includes requiring any development located within 1km of a European Site, any sensitive area found to have local importance for SCI species, or highly sensitive coastal habitat vulnerable to visitor pressures to have due consideration for the potential impact of any increase in visitor pressure. All plans including lower tier plans and projects identified as having potential to impact on European Sites are required to adhere to the requirements of the Habitats Directive, to ensure no adverse impact on the integrity of European Sites. Under current legislation any plan/project and any associated works, individually or in combination with other plans/projects are subject to Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening to ensure there are no likely significant effects on the integrity of any European Site and that the requirements of Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directive are fully satisfied. When a plan/project is likely to have a significant effect on a European Site or there is uncertainty with regard to effects, it shall be subject to an Appropriate Assessment. The plan/project will proceed only after it has been ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site or where, in the absence of alternative solutions, the plan/project is deemed imperative for reasons of overriding public interest. The designated European conservation sites in the city are set out in table 5.3. Table 5.3: European Sites in the City 130 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity5.3.2 National Designated Sites Sites of national ecological importance are designated and protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. A Natural Heritage Area (NHA) is an area considered important by reason of its flora, fauna, habitat type and geological or geomorphological interest. Sections of Moycullen Bog NHA, (Site Code 002364), an extensive lowland blanket bog, are located east of Tonabrocky. G a l w a y B a y L o u g h C o r r i b KEY Proposed_NHA SAC SPA NHA Figure 5.2 SACs, NHAs and pNHAs in the city In addition, there are proposed NHA (pNHA) designations, for areas of that are known to be of importance for biodiversity but have not yet been fully evaluated. Two pNHAs are located in the city and these areas for the most part also have SAC status (see table 5.4). Table 5.4: Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) and proposed NHAs (pNHA) in the city – Moycullen Bog NHA (Site Code 002364) – Galway Bay Complex pNHA (Site Code 000268) – Lough Corrib pNHA (Site Code 000297) A number of sites of geological heritage importance have been identified by the Geological Survey of Ireland as part of a Geological Heritage Audit for Galway City completed in 2020 (see table 5.5). These are categorised as County Geological Sites (CGS) pending any further NHA designation by the NPWS. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 131
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityTable 5.5 County Geological Sites (CGS) in the city – Doughiska N6 Road Cut – Fairlands Park – Menlough Mushroom Rocks – Menlough Quarry – Merlin Park Cave – Merlin Park Quarry – Rusheen Bay Drumlin (previously Barna Drumlin Swarm) – Salthill Promenade – Shantalla Sliding Rock – St. Augustines Well – Terryland/Sandy River – Westside Sports Grounds There are also a range of habitats and species at locations outside of EU and national designated sites which are covered by legislative protection. These include species of flora and fauna and key habitats. Development proposals which are likely to impact on these species and/or habitats, will be required to carry out an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) in order to assess the impact and where appropriate will be required to include for mitigation measures. 5.3.3 Local Biodiversity Sites In addition to areas with European and national nature conservation designations, the city has a network of Local Biodiversity Areas which also have high nature conservation value. These Local Biodiversity Areas can be classified into a range of different habitats such as lakes, exposed limestone pavement, woodlands, wetlands and peatland, all making an important contribution to biodiversity and amenity within the city (see table 5.6). Article 10 of the EU Habitat’s Directive requires member states to protect those features of the landscape which provide linear features or stepping stones essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species, through planning and development policies. Local Biodiversity Areas provide vital habitat for many species, provide important wildlife corridors and ecological stepping stones in the city and contribute to the ecological coherence of the network of European Sites. The Galway Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2024 expanding on the original network identified in City Habitats Inventory 2005, identifies the River Corrib as a main wildlife corridor which provides a link between the coast and the rich mosaic of habitats in the city’s hinterland. The Biodiversity Action Plan proposes to resurvey and record the local biodiversity areas. It also seeks to identify any additional wildlife corridors and stepping stones which are of high value and merit in the green network. Many of these areas are located on lands zoned for agriculture and recreation and amenity use and overlap with sites with nature conservation designations, which contribute to their continued conservation. The Council acknowledges that developments are likely within the vicinity of some of these Local Biodiversity Areas. A precautionary approach will be adopted and the Council will have due regard to the sensitivity and the biodiversity importance of these areas, where developments are proposed. Local Biodiversity Areas shall be taken into account in the planning, design and assessment of development applications and will inform local area plans, where appropriate. The Council will include measures to encourage biodiversity and ecological stepping stones in developments, including open space provision, the retention of existing natural features such as trees, hedgerows, stone walls, native species planting, and the use of green design features such as green roofs, green walls and SuDS. 132 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityTable 5.6 Network of Local Biodiversity Areas Description Details Rusheen Bay – Barna Woods – Illaunafamona A variety of habitats located around the intertidal area of Rusheen Bay including Barna Woods. The entire area is designated as either a SAC and/or SPA. Lough Rusheen is designated a Wildfowl Sanctuary under the Wildlife Acts 1976 & 2000. Cappagh – Ballymoneen An area of blanket bog, fen, wet grassland and scrub located between Cappagh and Ballymoneen Roads. Ballagh – Barnacranny Hill Connemara peatland, including blanket bog, fen, wet grassland, heathland and scrub, located east of Tonabrocky. This area is designated a NHA, Moycullen Bog NHA. Mutton Island and nearby shoreline Intertidal area is a designated SPA. Lough Atalia and Renmore Lagoon Lough Atalia and the intertidal area at Renmore, except the Renmore Lagoon, is designated a SPA. Lough Rusheen is designated a Wildfowl Sanctuary under the Wildlife Acts 1976 & 2000. River Corrib and adjoining wetlands The River Corrib and the associated wetlands is a designated SAC and a Salmonid River. Menlough – Coolough Hill Area includes oak-ash-hazel woodland at Menlo Woods and exposed limestone rock, calcareous grassland and small turlough. Ballindooley – Castlegar Area centred on Ballindooley Lough, includes fen, reed swamp, wet grassland, scrub and exposed limestone rock. The Castlegar area contains smaller areas of wet grassland, scrub and exposed limestone. Ballybrit Racecourse Large open area of species-rich calcareous grassland. Merlin Park Woods Mature broad-leaf trees, mixed broad-leaf / conifer woodlands. Doughiska Area of exposed limestone rock with calcareous grassland and scrub located along the eastern boundary of the city. The grassland contains orchid species and protected Small white orchid. Roscam Relatively undisturbed examples of salt marsh, shingle banks, brackish lagoon, sandy shore and muddy sand shore, with calcareous grassland and scrub. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 133
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and AmenityTable 5.7 Other Areas/Features of Local importance in the City Description Details Terryland Forest Park Young urban forest of native broad-leaf trees and pockets of wetland vegetation located on both sides of Terryland/Sandy River. City Canal System Western part of the city and one artery to the east of the Corrib River at Newtownsmyth. Waterbody Small lake adjoining residential development on Headford Road. Cave, Merlin Park A limestone cave near railway bridge. Terryland Glenanail A small river flowing from the south-eastern corner of Lough Corrib. Cooper’s Cave Terryland Square bedding cave chamber located northeast of the Terryland River sink. 5.4 Control of Invasive Alien Species Invasive alien species are a significant threat to biodiversity impacting on native species and encroaching on habitats. Within the city there is evidence of invasive species spread in particular the Japanese Knotweed. Zebra mussel has also been found in the Corrib system. Legislative controls are in place under the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 recognising the adverse impacts of these species on the environment and economy. The approach of the Council is to adopt invasive species management and control operations on public lands at a number of affected locations and to promote public awareness of the impacts of invasive alien species. Policy 5.2 Protected Spaces: Sites of European, National and Local Ecological Importance 1. Protect European sites that form part of the Natura 2000 network (including Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation) in accordance with the requirements in the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and associated national legislation. 2. Ensure that all plans or projects within the Plan area will only be authorised and / or supported after the competent authority has ascertained based on scientific evidence, screening for appropriate assessment and /or a Habitats Directive Assessment that: i. The plan or project will not give rise to an adverse direct, indirect or secondary effect on the integrity of any European site (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects); or ii. The plan or project will have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European site (that does not host a priority natural habitat type/and or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000; or 134 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenityiii. The plan or project will have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European site (that hosts a natural habitat type and/or a priority species) but there are no alternative solutions and the plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons for overriding public interest, restricted to reasons of human health or public safety, to beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment or, further to an opinion from the Commission, to other imperative reasons of overriding public interest. In this case, it will be a requirement to follow procedures set out in legislation and agree and undertake all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the protection of the overall coherence of Natura 2000. 3. Protect, conserve and promote the nationally designated sites of ecological importance, including existing and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (NHA and pNHAs) in the city. 4. Protect, conserve and support the development of an ecological network throughout the city which will improve the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network in accordance with Article 10 of the Habitats Directive. 5. Continue to recognise sites of County Geological Interest in the city identified by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and protect such sites from inappropriate development and protect geological NHAs should they become designated and notified to the Local Authority, during the lifetime of the Plan. 6. Protect Local Biodiversity Areas, wildlife corridors and stepping stones based on the Galway Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2024 and support the biodiversity of the city in the Council’s role/responsibilities, works and operations, where appropriate. 7. Encourage, in liaison with the NPWS, the sustainable management of features which are important for the ecological coherence of the network of European sites and essential, by their linear or continuous nature or as stepping stones for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species. 8. Support the actions of the Galway City Council Heritage Plan 2016-2021 and any update and Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2024 relating to the promotion of ecological awareness and biodiversity, the protection of wildlife corridors and the prevention of wildlife habitat fragmentation. 9. Co-operate with the NPWS, landowners and stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of management plans for designated sites and support conservation objectives of lands within Designated Sites for nature conservation Natura 2000 (SAC/SPA) and NHA sites. 10. Protect and conserve rare and threatened habitats and their key habitats, (wherever they occur) listed on Annex I and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43EEC) and listed for protection under the Wildlife Acts 1976-2000 and plant species listed in the Flora Protection Order 2015. 11. Ensure that plans and projects with the potential to have a significant impact on European sites (SAC or SPA) whether directly, indirectly or in combination with other plans or projects are subject to Appropriate Assessment, under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (92/43EEC) and associated legislation and guidelines, to inform decision making. 12. Achieve a sustainable balance between meeting future recreational needs (both passive and active) and the protection of the city’s ecological heritage. 13. Support the inclusion of natural features, such as trees, hedgerows, stone walls, ponds and the use of green design features and the incorporation of biodiversity measures in developments layouts. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 135
- Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity 136 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 5.5 Blue Spaces Galway City has an unparalleled water environment with an extensive coastline, Lough Corrib, River Corrib, waterways and canals. These important natural resources which are termed ‘blue spaces’ in the plan contribute to health and wellbeing, support an attractive city environment, provide a diverse ecosystem and are a valuable recreation resource. These assets contribute significantly to the positive image of the city and have socio-economic value and recreation and amenity potential. However, any such recreation and amenity development must be balanced with the protection of the integrity of the environment. Greater and improved access to water bodies will be investigated in order to facilitate passive and active recreation. In general, water based recreation and ‘blueways’ which are multi activity routes on or alongside water will be supported where the environment, water quality and protected habitats are adequately protected. 5.5.1 Coast Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are an integral part of the identity and historic culture of the city. The links between the city and the sea are exhibited in its strong maritime history, its built form and the traditions of areas such as The Claddagh, Fishmarket, The Docks and Salthill. The impact of climate change with predicted sea level rise, greater frequency of storm surges and wave overtopping makes these areas vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion. Measures to protect the city from flooding are currently being developed under the Coirib go Cósta Galway City Flood Relief Scheme. As well as being an important natural heritage resource, the coast is an important tourist, amenity and recreation resource. The beaches in the city are significant assets as designated bathing areas. Both Salthill and Silverstrand beaches also have Blue Flag status and received the Green Coast award in 2020 in recognition of the high quality environment of these areas. The Council will continue to enhance the range of facilities to support coastal amenity and recreation and will consider the potential restoration of the tidal pools in Salthill as a year round public amenity and recreation facility accessible to all. The National Marine Planning Framework 2021 sets out the national objectives and maritime planning policies for activities in the marine area. The Maritime Area Bill 2021 will advance the designation and management of Marine Protection Areas and will support the protection of the marine environment when adopted. The Council will accord with any requirements for local authorities in the implementation of this legislation. 15. Protect the ecological integrity of statutory Nature Reserves, Wildfowl Sanctuaries, refuges for fauna and Annex 1 Habitats. 14. Support and implement measures to control and manage alien/invasive species, where appropriate in accordance with the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. 16. Any development within 1km of: · a European site, and/or · an existing or proposed greenway/blueway connecting to any European site, and/or · any sensitive area found to have local importance as breeding, roosting or foraging sites for SCI species, and/or · a highly sensitive coastal habitat vulnerable to visitor pressures, shall have due consideration for the potential impact of any increase in visitor pressure on any European site, alone and cumulatively with other existing and/emerging developments in the area. Issues to be considered include dog walking and waste management.
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