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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- Economy, Enterprise and RetailGalway is the centre for regional health care services for the West Region with Galway University Hospitals (Merlin and UHG) providing a secondary, regional and supra-regional service in respect of cardiology and cancer services. Sláintecare and the HSE supported by the NDP include for a new Emergency Department (ED) at UHG and a new elective hospital within the city. This will add to the existing public hospitals and complement the services provided in the two private hospitals. Community and specialist medical services can be accommodated within district, neighbourhood and local centres and be directed to the city centre area. Primary health care centres have been identified as important in the RSES, where they are encouraged to locate near their catchment and close to existing local services. The advantage of having three third level institutions in the city - University of Galway, ATU and GTI is reflected in the high attainment levels of education in the city, the skilled nature of the workforce and the framework available for continued training, research and collaboration with industry. In addition the presence of a large third level student population of over 26,000 in the city contributes greatly to the local economy and adds to the vibrancy of diversity in the city. The Plan though supportive policies, land use zoning and co-ordination and integration of key pieces of infrastructure enables the further development of all healthcare and educational institutions. Policy 6.7 Health & Education Sector 1. Support and facilitate the sustainable development of the strategic health and knowledge institutions in their primary functional roles and also where they contribute to innovation, research, training and skills development. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 167
- Economy, Enterprise and Retail6.3.8 Tourism Sector The sustainable development and promotion of a successful well managed tourism industry has been identified in the RSES as critical to the economy of the region. Galway City and County accounted for 59% of the tourist visits in 2019 for the North West region and benefits greatly both economically and from the added vitality it brings. Prior to the year impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic Galway City and County welcomed 2.7m tourist trips in 2019 (1.7m overseas and 1 million domestic trips) according to Fáilte Ireland’s Survey of Overseas Travellers and the CSO’s published figures on domestic travel. Success has been further reflected in achieving the status of “the fourth-best city in the world to visit in 2020” by Lonely Planet and one of the top two friendliest city in Europe” in 2020 by Condé Nast Traveller readers’ Choice Awards survey. The tourism sector was described by Tourism Ireland as being in a survival stage up to 2022 and in a rebuilding stage thereafter, but where the longer term impacts of the pandemic changes in the aviation sector and the impact of the climate crisis are as of yet unknown. Notwithstanding this it is anticipated that the city will recover its tourist trade, and has resilience owing to the significant scale of the domestic market and associated repeat visits. The distinctive cultural heritage, vibrancy, intimate urban fabric and the attraction of being a traditional seaside city have made this sector a success in the city and are key assets contributing to the re-building of this sector. The year round festival calendar is also a significant tourism product, sustaining services and ensuring year-round bed nights. Hosting the European Capital of Culture 2020, although challenged owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, still helped raise the international profile of tourism in Galway. The innovation brought about through the initiatives for outdoor dining and the framework being development nationally for the night-time economy will also enable more diversity in the city offering. A Tourism Strategy 2020-2025 has been prepared by the City and other main stakeholders and redefined what the ‘Galway’ tourist experience entails and focuses on actions that can support and develop the visitor experience. The Development Plan supports this strategy and encourages and facilitates in particular sustainable tourism and the broadening initiatives with respect to culture, heritage, emerging greenways and blueway activities on the waterways. The RSES highlights the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching along the coast of the region from Donegal and extending to West Cork and the economic benefit it demonstrates for marketing Ireland as a clean, green holiday destination. In line with this Galway, as the only city along this route, is the focus for significant funding from Fáilte Ireland, to enable the enhancement and extension of the city museum which will be redeveloped and rebranded as the Atlantic Museum Galway. 168 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailThe MASP has a focus on tourism also and identifies the unique environment of Galway City and its environs including the extensive coastline, urban beaches, river and lake, the waterways and the city canal system as unique tourism assets. Funding under the Destination Town Scheme, Platforms for Growth and Shared Water Facilities Scheme funding streams will further explore the potential of these areas as blueways that can support facilities for tourist activities. In general the Council contributes to the development of tourism in the city through a variety of different synergistic measures including improving accessibility, environmental maintenance and improvements and through, the provision of recreation and amenity areas, public realm measures, protection of the natural and built heritage and the facilitation of the development of visitor activities and attractions. Tourism covers a wide variety of different activities within the city. Many of the policies and objectives set out in this Plan will support and facilitate the development of tourism and tourism infrastructure. This includes the enabling of tourist accommodation, the general hospitality sector and specific tourist facilities. These can benefit both visitor and citizen alike and contribute to the vitality, local economy and ultimately job creation. Policy 6.8 Tourism Sector 1. Recognise the significant contribution that national and international tourism makes to the local economy and the vitality of the city and facilitate, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and key stakeholders, the sustainable development of associated infrastructure, attractions, including a destination attraction of scale and events particularly where they reflect the distinctive history, culture and environment of Galway and highlight the significance of Galway as the only city on the “Wild Atlantic Way” and as a gateway to the Northern and Western Region. 2. Encourage the continuing diversification in the tourism offer in the city in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland in particular through the development of greenways, blueways and connections with the evolving network of walking trails and promote opportunities in all activities and facilities that contribute to decarbonisation Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 169
- Economy, Enterprise and Retail3. Protect the distinctive built and natural heritage of the city and seek to maintain and implement improvements in the public realm that will sustain the attraction of the urban environment for visitors and citizens alike and will increase opportunities for the use of outdoor space and support events and gatherings. 4. Work in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and key stakeholders to support the hospitality sector and promote tourism related facilities including a sustainable range of tourism accommodation. 5. Support the preparation and development of a Galway Tourism brand and maximise on the legacy of the designation as Galway as European Capital of Culture 2020. 6. Support the city as a destination city and support adoption of the VICE model for Destination management to ensure Sustainable Tourism which considers the interaction between Visitors, the Industry that serves them, the Community that hosts them and their collective impact on, and response to the Environment. 7. Support the preparation and implementation of the forthcoming Regional Tourism Strategies and the continued collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and tourism stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and delivery of these tourism plans. 8. Support the promotion of Business Tourism to actively develop Galway as an events location with the appropriate infrastructure to attract international conferences, sporting, cultural and commercial events. 9. Encourage and support investment in digital technology in the tourism sector, with a particular focus on sectors such as visitor attractions and activities with low digital presence and/or integration. 6.3.9 Marine Sector & Renewable Energy Galway has a strong maritime culture and tradition, being located in an area with a long trading history. The marine sector, while already an important sector for Galway City and County given its location and accessibility to the wider ocean, has great potential to expand and tap into the broader global marine market, including for seafood, tourism, renewable ocean energy and application for health and technologies. The marine area also has considerable amenity benefits ranging from unique ecology and habitat, beaches, open space, greenways, blueways and the support for water based leisure and recreational activities. In line with the requirements of EU Directive on marine spatial planning, the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) 2021 was approved with supporting legislation drafted to regulate the maritime area. The NMPF provides the national framework for marine-based human activities and outlines the government’s 20 year vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity, balanced with the need to protect the environment. The Framework gives direction to decision makers (including the local authority), users and stakeholders towards strategic, plan-led, efficient and more sustainable use of national marine resources. In the city the main focus of maritime economic activity is at the Port of Galway, a port classified in national port policy as a port of Regional Significance (Tier 3). The port and associated lands support shipping and marine transport. Goods imported mainly include petroleum products, bitumen and steel and intermittently large scale project related cargo such as wind turbines, while exports include limestone and recyclable metals. The main marine transport service is the passenger ferry operating from the port which services the strong tourism trade on the Aran Islands. The associated enterprise lands support a number of enterprises including port linked activities and offers storage space for shipping cargo. Leisure and tourism is supported thorough the facilitation of local sea based activities, a 40 berth pontoon marina and intermittent visits from international cruise liners. 170 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailAs the port capacity is extremely constrained and facilities deemed inadequate for developing the business to a modern international standard the port currently have proposals with An Bord Pleanála for a significantly scaled extension to the harbour area. The proposals for re-development and extension includes for reclamation of 27 hectares, construction of commercial quays deep-water port facilities, provision of marina and aqua sport facilities. This project is supported in the Plan as it is considered to have potential to contribute to marine enterprise and employment, the capacity to boost tourism and also provide for additional public realm with capacity for hosting large events. The benefit to the city also is that with re-location of activities further off shore it will enable the redevelopment of the designated regeneration site at the inner harbour, as outlined in Chapter 10 to provide for a new and compact, mixed use quarter on the waterfront and adjacent to the city centre. The Galway MASP area is advantaged in having the Marine Institute, a national state agency located within the MASP area at Oranmore. It is key in safeguarding national marine heritage through research and environmental monitoring and contributes to informing national policy. It also supports marine research, technology development and innovation which both supports the industry and leverages interest in new marine related enterprises while also linking collaboratively on projects with ATU and University of Galway (e.g. SEMRU Socio- Economic Marine Research Unit). The NPF includes for an objective to support the sustainable growth, development and continued investment in the maritime economy. The RSES supports the Port of Galway and the expansion proposals and sees this project as a key strategic priority for the region that will enable further investment in the maritime economy, tourism and connectivity, all of which are perceived to have both city and regional benefit. In view of the poor connectivity within the Northern and Western region relative to other regions the RSES supports examination of the feasibility of the designation of Galway Port as an EU TEN-T so that it can be integrated into and link with the Europe-wide transport network. The MASP also recognises that the planned improvements of Galway Harbour facilities can strengthen the NPF ambition for Galway to be a strong regional city and improve competitiveness. The marine environment has also been identified as a potential driver to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the move to cleaner energy in line with national policy. The RSES identifies the huge potential for growth in renewables as part of the growth ambition for the economy and employment in the region. In particular it identifies off-shore wind energy as a considerable resource to be explored and the need for adequate provision of land based infrastructure and services. This reflects the aims of The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) which identifies the opportunities for off-shore wind and ocean energy and the potential for creating jobs in the green economy. As the western seaboard and the North Atlantic is likely to be a key strategic zone for the testing, installation, and continued expansion in the area of marine renewables the Port of Galway is ideally placed to tap into these emerging marine enterprises associated with the sustainable energy sector and the offshore renewable energy sector. The National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) includes an objective to identify the potential for ports to contribute to off shore renewable energy and for relevant, plans and policies related to the identified port to encourage development in such a way as to facilitate offshore energy and related supply chain activity. In this regard the current plan supports this type of enabling development at the Port of Galway subject to all proposals being rigorously assessed to ensure compliance with environmental standards, amenity and visual requirements and all other requirements that minimise the impact on the marine environment, marine ecology and other maritime users. Supporting this activity can bring substantial socioeconomic benefits including employment and income opportunities, transferable technology and skills development and opportunities for a just transition to green jobs with potential to replace those currently related to fossil fuel imports. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 171
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailPolicy 6.9 Marine Sector & Renewable Energy 1. Promote, encourage and facilitate the sustainable growth and competitiveness of enterprise activities associated with the ocean and coastal economy including transport, trade, fishing, aquaculture, research, marine industries, renewable energy, tourism and leisure. 2. Support the migration of industrial uses from the inner harbour area to suitable locations to enable regeneration of the inner harbour area in line with national and regional objectives. 3. Support offshore industries, particularly wind energy which will contribute to a low carbon economy and generate employment. 4. Support the sustainable re-development and extension of the Port of Galway and the diversification and expansion of activities subject to environmental, visual, economic viability and transportation considerations. in line with the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) 2021, and any successor thereof, or any emerging national ports strategies. 172 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Economy, Enterprise and Retail6.3.10 Creative Economy & Gastronomy Sectors Galway is home to a strong, vibrant creative economy, recognised at national and regional level. These can be broadly classified into culture which includes the performing arts, publishing, and education, creative which includes media design, lens-based content including gaming and audio-visual, software and app development, research and development, and craft which includes traditional craft, print, electronic and other manufacturing. Recent research by the Western Development Commission indicates that prior to COVID-19 pandemic this sector was growing fast and increased employment by 44% between the years of 2013-2018, with an estimated value of almost half a billion in 2018. In the city the strongest area of growth recorded related to the creative area, mainly in relation to software and app development. However it is also here in the city where 70% of the west region’s cultural enterprises are located. The cultural presence of the Druid Theatre Company and the Galway International Arts Festival, the accolade of city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film and the European Capital of Culture 2020, the high calibre craft industry and media and design development all contribute to the diverse creative ecosystem in the city. The benefit that the city accrues from this vibrant creative, arts and culture scene is broader than simply employment and sales. The culmination of the creative activities in the city spurs innovation across all of the economy and contributes to numerous other positive impacts ranging from tourism, education to health and well-being. It is also identified as an area that can strengthen and diversify the development of a night-time economy. This cultural ecosystem adds to the vibrancy of the city all year round and increases the attractiveness of the city as a place to live, work and visit. There is a need to provide continued tangible support for the development of the creative economy, this includes support for the delivery of infrastructure, innovation hubs, facilitation of events space through the implementation of the Public Realm Strategy and encouragement of additional dedicated cultural and creative opportunities within the planning for regeneration areas. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 173
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailThis food industry in Galway also plays a role in the economy of the city. Of particular interest are the speciality and artisan foods sector and those that are associated with the hospitality sector. The Galway Market at Church Lane, the seasonal Christmas market, occasional neighbourhood farmer markets at other locations including Woodquay and Fishmarket and recent expansion of outdoor dining all expand on the potential for growth and diversity in this sector. These initiatives build on the award to Galway as a European Region of Gastronomy in 2018 and previous Galway Food Festivals in terms of the benefit they can bring to the local economy. The Plan through policies and objectives support the development of this sector and encourage further development of the expanding food and beverage sector onto regeneration sites and accommodation of outdoor markets and dining through improvements and facilitating investment in the public realm. The Council also supports initiatives by Fáilte Ireland such as food trails to build on the reputation of the city for high quality produce and also for better integration of the gastronomy sector into the night time economy. Policy 6.10 Creative Economy & Gastronomy Sectors 1. Promote the city as a hub for the Creative Economy, building on the distinctive culture, arts, and creative legacy in the city, specifically including UNESCO City of Film designation, and recognising the particular value of these activities in the economy of the city and the importance of this economy to the region as identified in the RSES and by the Western Development Commission. 2. Recognise the importance that recreation and amenity facilities, natural and built heritage, public realm and arts and cultural infrastructure are to maintaining the competitiveness of the city and continue to maintain and develop these assets through implementation of local plans and strategies including the public realm strategy. 3. Enable the development of gastronomy as a sustainable enterprise, supporting SME’s, producers, food entrepreneurs, hospitality sector, tourism and the associated development of infrastructure, marketing and events that will strengthen the distinctive brand of Galway City and County and extend the legacy from the designation of Galway as a European Region of Gastronomy in 2018. 174 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailPart 2: Retail Strategy 6.4 Context Retail is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, employing almost 300,000 people and accounting for 23% of the State’s tax revenue1. It supports many more jobs throughout the supply chain and unlike many other sectors, retail jobs are evenly spread across every city, town and village in the country and therefore key to contributing to the vibrancy and vitality and prosperity of settlements. In Galway, the significance of retailing as a contributor to the commercial life of the city is much in evidence as is the essential support it gives to the economic, social and cultural life of the city. It is a key element in maintaining the attractiveness of the city, in particular the city centre and also a benchmark in maintaining the competitiveness of Galway City in relation to other Irish cities. Retailing also contributes to the visitor experience of the city and consequently to the local economy. The importance of this sector is reflected in national and regional planning policy which seeks to ensure that that existing and new retail accords with proper planning and sustainable principles. The RSES in particular recognises the critical role that the retail sector has in supporting the vibrancy and vitality of the key centres within the region. The RSES acknowledges the current challenges in the sector and includes for policy objectives that can support and grow retailing, including the adoption of the sequential growth approach, encouragement of regeneration and mix of uses, investment in placemaking and provision of links with public transport corridors. The MASP identifies the hierarchy of retail centres and places particular emphasis on protecting and enhancing the city centre. It considers that Galway City, in particular the city centre functions as the most important shopping area within the county. The importance of this sector is further reflected in the RSES objective to support the city as the primary centre identified for growth in the region. The national guidelines, the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) takes the approach that a strong and competitive retail sector demands a proactive approach in planning for retail space. This it is considered will promote vitality and viability in the city centre and other retail areas. It will also support choice and competition to the consumer’s benefit and give appropriate direction for expansion in floor space for all types of retailing. In addition, the guidelines require the wider policy context to be taken into account including the settlement hierarchy, smarter travel plans, climate action, architecture and urban design quality. The Retail Planning Guidelines (2012) also recommend that for certain authorities, the undertaking of a joint retail strategy where broader catchment areas are involved, will benefit an understanding of retail activity and planning sustainably for such demand. Galway City and Galway County Council are designated as authorities that would benefit from a joint approach. This joint assessment is currently scheduled to commence when a clearer perspective on the functioning of the retail sector is available and when it is anticipated a reduction in Covid-19 pandemic restrictions will allow for footfall and shopper surveys. It is anticipated that when completed, the outcome of the analysis and conclusions can be assessed against policies in both plans and any changes required can be incorporated into the respective development plans. 1. https://www2.deloitte.com/ie/en/pages/finance/articles/retail-domestic-market-review Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 175
- Economy, Enterprise and RetailIn the interim the Plan has considered the Core Strategy and settlement strategies of both the City and the County Development Plans. It has assumed that the main settlements identified in the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 will have supporting scales and type of services for their size so that unnecessary leakage of spend into the city will be curtailed. It has also considered the levels of retail floor space that has been built since the last plan, extant permissions and current proposals in the planning process for the city. Retail Trends The retail sector has been a vital part in the Irish recovery since the global financial crisis more than 10 years ago. It currently generates sales in excess of €30 billion each year, accounting for approximately 12% of Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)2. However despite this, the value of retail sales remains 13% below pre-economic crash levels. Retail/ IBEC attributes this to significant and fundamental disruption in the industry, not only relating to the increase in online sales but to a transformation caused by a combination of increased competition, changing consumer behaviours, increasing customer expectations, accelerating technology innovation and more volatile consumer sentiment. These trends will require retailers to adapt, invest and engage differently to retain existing customers and attract new ones. Shops will have to offer more than a space to display and warehouse their products and will require an increasing focus on creating destination stores supported by attractive public areas that host other uses which add to dwell time and experience. This evolution of shopping in town centres from a functional activity to an experience for customers broadens the remit of retail planning policies to include for other associated factors and the need to ensure the attraction of place. This requires encouragement for a mix of complementary non-retail uses such as food and beverage offers, culture, recreation, leisure uses and for enhancement of the public realm and enablement of an all year round calendar of events. It also includes linked investment in transport measures that ensure ease of access, especially sustainable modes. Pursuance of residential use delivered through compact growth policies on regeneration sites will also be beneficial for retailing. It has capacity to create new communities with ease of access to shopping thereby expanding the customer base while contributing to both vibrancy and vitality levels of passive surveillance and safety that in turn can contribute to enabling a healthy night-time economy to flourish. 2. https://www.ibec.ie/connect-and-learn/industries/retail-and-tourism/retail-ireland 176 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.