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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- Community and CulturePrevious City Development Plans recognised that some of these lands would become surplus to institutional requirements and in such cases residential use or uses compatible with that of adjoining zones if considered more appropriate, were permissible. While some institutional lands, which become surplus to requirements will in the future be appropriate locations for residential and other development, there are institutional lands, which due to location and/or character should be retained for institutional or community uses for the long term benefit of the city. In these cases specific development objectives have been included in Chapter 11. In situations where remaining institutional lands, become surplus to institutional requirements the Council may permit an alternative use for all or part of the land. However this case must be defined and substantiated in the context of the institutional function. It will not be considered that lands are surplus if the institution has a sustaining and secure future. Where exceptions are permitted, the proposed use will be compatible with residential zoning (or that of adjoining zones if considered more appropriate) and the policies and objectives of the plan. Development of these lands will normally be required to retain buildings of character and some of the original open character. Public access should be promoted where traditionally enjoyed or where there is a significant amenity associated with lands. Some institutional buildings of merit are included in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS), which are of major significance to the character of an area and may by virtue of scale or layout prove difficult to convert to residential use. In these cases consideration may be given to conversion to cultural, community or office uses where this would not involve significant changes to the character of such structures and would not be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Policy 7.9 Institutional Lands 1. Facilitate and promote the development of institutional land within the city. 2. Retain institutional lands and only allow consideration for change in use where it is demonstrated that certain institutional lands are surplus to requirements, the Council will consider residential use or uses compatible with that of adjoining zones or specifically require that the lands be retained for alternative institutional uses. Where residential development is permitted a reserve of a minimum of 20% of the total site area for communal open space will be required. 3. Promote the retention of public access to institutional lands where this has been traditionally enjoyed or where there is a significant amenity associated with the lands. 4. Promote the retention of public access to these lands where this has been traditionally enjoyed or where there is a significant amenity associated with the lands. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 207
- Community and Culture7.7 Specific Objectives Specific Objectives 1. Support the delivery of actions and objectives of the Local Economic and Community Plan in partnership with the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and in conjunction with key stakeholders. 2. Facilitate the on-going development of community facilities in neighbourhood areas and emerging new communities such as at Ardaun. 3. Facilitate the upgrading of existing community facilities in terms of energy efficiency in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the activities taking place therein. 4. Undertake a Social and Community Infrastructure Audit within three years of the adoption of the City Development Plan in conjunction with the LECP/LCDC and relevant stakeholders to establish a baseline of services in the city and to ensure adequate community facilities are provided to serve the existing and future targeted population of the city. 5. Support proposals to repurpose Lenaboy Castle as a creative and cultural hub. 6. Develop a new City public library in conjunction with Galway County Council and national funding. 7. Progress the redevelopment of Galway City Museum as a transformative project to meet the vision of the Atlantic Museum Galway. 8. Support the provision of a new arts performance and exhibition space and a municipal gallery in the city. 9. Support proposals for the development of a destination tourism and recreational attraction at the Leisureland and Salthill park sites with the potential to provide modern, purpose built recreation, civic and cultural facilities to serve the city and region. 10. Implement actions from strategies and plans that support the development of culture and heritage in the city including: Cultural Strategy, Arts Strategy and Action Plan, Heritage Plan, Tourism Strategy and City Museum Strategic Plan. 11. Establish and develop new cemetery sites to serve the city, which can accommodate associated services such as a crematorium to serve the existing and future targeted population of the city. 12. Work with relevant stakeholders and service providers to investigate the delivery of community facilities to serve the community of Ballybane including: A Family Resource Centre in conjunction with TUSLA; • A community crèche and early years education service; • Outdoor and indoor amenities for all age groups; • A Primary and secondary school in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills (DES) 13. Support the development of a permanent site for a post primary school in the East of the city. 14. Support the development of a permanent site for a primary school in the West of the city. 15. Undertake an analysis study on City Hall and its associated site and services during the development plan period with a view to assessing the best sustainable options for the future of the site which can include the option of unlocking the potential of the site for regeneration opportunities. 208 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 207 Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design88.1 Context 210 8.2 Record of Protected Structures 210 8.3 Architectural Conservation Area 212 8.4 Vernacular Heritage 215 8.5 Archaeology 216 8.6 Industrial Heritage 218 8.7 Galway City Walls 218 8.8 AArchitectureArchitecture, Urban Design and Placemaking Policy 219 8.9 Public Realm 225 8.10 Specific Objectives 228
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design210 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 8.1 Context Galway has exceptionally strong links with its past. This is evident in the built form, architecture and archaeology of the city. The city centre has a distinct physical character, with narrow streets, contrasting buildings, canals, millraces. The natural landscape and relationship with the River Corrib and Galway Bay also contributes to creating a unique urban setting. Most of the significant built heritage and archaeology is located in the city centre which largely follows a medieval pattern of irregular streets and varying building heights and plot widths. These characteristics, which include the remnants of the city walls, have endured notwithstanding changes over the centuries. This heritage is a significant element in the definition and experience of the urban environment. It also contributes to economic vitality, a memorable place for tourists and enhances the liveability of the city. Managing growth and redevelopment in a way that respects and draws on Galway’s heritage is vital for the success of the city. As the Plan includes policies to support infill, redevelopment and regeneration in the city core it is anticipated that overtures for large scale development will advance in the currency of this Plan. It is necessary for such developments to include for high quality architectural design, reflect good urban design principles and contribute to the public realm while integrating the new architecture respectfully and successfully into the valued historic context. Application of a quality architectural response, particularly on the Regeneration and Opportunity Sites, that is inspired by the unique historical built heritage and good urban design can meet the challenge of a historical context and can, with use of sensitive design, complement the city’s character and distinctiveness and maintain and contribute to its strong sense of place. Where opportunities exist in the city for such development and where the design resolution interprets the historic setting, without harming its values and character-defining elements, it can derive value and benefit that attracts investment, new uses and creates new, vibrant, distinctive neighbourhoods building on the historical layers of the city. 8.2 Record of Protected Structures The Council maintains a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) which lists buildings and structures that make a special contribution to the character of Galway through their special interest. Protected structures are defined under planning legislation as buildings and structures considered to be of particular importance due to their architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, scientific, social or technical special interest. There are currently 619 buildings and structures in the RPS, the list is set out in Appendix 3. The RPS is not a static document and additions or deletions, where appropriate, can be made to this record. It is policy to implement proactive measures to support the protection, enhancement and active use of protected structures. Any alteration to protected structures is required to enhance the character or setting of the structure and be carried out to best conservation practice and with regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) and any updates. The Plan promotes sustainable building design, best conservation practice and the appropriate maintenance, adaption and reuse of historic buildings. A number of measures exist to promote the appropriate restoration of protected structures. In particular, a reduced development contribution can apply when changes to a protected structure includes for a high standard of conservation works. In addition, a change of use of a protected structure to a use compatible with the conservation of the structure, notwithstanding the zoning of the area, can also be considered. The main funding streams available for private conservation works are the DHLGH Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme, which includes funding to repair and safeguard historic and protected structures and also support local employment of skilled conservation workers and tradespeople. The Heritage Council provides specific annual funding to local authorities to support the implementation of the actions in the respective Heritage Plans under the Heritage Council Heritage Plan Programme.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 211 Conservation and Management Plans were prepared for three castles in the city namely Terryland Castle, Menlough Castle and Merlin Castle in 2015. The plans included for condition surveys for prioritisation conservation work needed and the associated methodology and implementation schedule to carry out the works as well as a review of the best approach to future conservation management. Significant conservation works in the first phase of the overall conservation of the castles was carried out in 2020/2021 supported by both Council funding and the National Community Monument Fund. These castles are both protected structures and national monuments. The general aim is to carry out a sequence of works to conserve them as significant historic assets to the city and to make them more accessible and to encourage a renewed appreciation of their history and the significance they continue to hold in the present day. A public realm design strategy is also being prepared for peripheral areas of Merlin and Tirellan Castle. The objective of this is to give guidance on future investment in the contextual settings of these monuments in the interest of improving the historical interpretation, linkages and awareness of these historic legacies. Policy 8.1 Record of Protected Structures 1. Protect structures listed in the Record of Protected Structures, in accordance with legislation and DEHLG Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2011. 2. Ensure new development enhances the character or setting of a protected structure. 3. Avoid protected structures becoming endangered by neglect or otherwise by taking timely appropriate action. 4. Have regard to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage in the assessment of development. 5. Consider the inclusion of buildings and structures of special interest or of distinctive heritage value in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) and consider any recommendations for inclusion in the RPS made by Ministerial Recommendation. 6. Consult with the DHLGH and have regard to recommendations of the DHLGH on planning applications relating to protected structures. 7. Implement proactive measures to encourage the conservation of protected structures. 8. Promote sustainable building design, best conservation practice and the appropriate maintenance, adaption and reuse of historic buildings.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design212 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 8.3 Architectural Conservation Areas An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscapes which is either of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in its own right or which contributes to the appreciation of protected structures. The designation of an ACA ensures that the special character of an area is protected and can be enhanced through sympathetic redevelopment. As part of measures to protect and enhance the built heritage, ACAs can revitalise areas and be a catalyst for economic investment. The protection afforded by an ACA applies to the exterior of structures and generally does not apply to works to the interior, unless they impact on the external appearance of the structure. Galway has eleven designated ACAs, which in terms of streetscape, arrangement of streets and spaces, composition of buildings and structures and architectural styles creates a character worthy of protection. These areas of special character require management, protection and enhancement. They represent different periods in, and functions of, the development of the city and assist in protecting the strong legacy of architectural heritage of the city and preserving the defining character of the urban environment. The eleven areas designated as ACAs are as follows: Fig 8.1 The City Core The medieval core of Galway is a mix of streetscape and buildings of many periods. The layout and the scale of some of the streets reflect the medieval street pattern. The city core is the most important area of built heritage in Galway. Its designation is beneficial in ensuring the area’s character is enhanced and protected. Fig 8.2 Lower Dominick Street Lower Dominick Street contains some of the best 18th and 19th century buildings, facades, shop-fronts and original features to survive in long uninterrupted stretches in the city. It is an area of distinct urban form and streetscape. It has a unique setting bounded by the River Corrib and the Eglinton Canal. Fig 8.3 The Crescent/Sea Road The Crescent is a very pleasant sweep of late Georgian style houses with gardens to the front and with further gardens and ancillary buildings and mews buildings to the rear. Most of the houses on Sea Road date from the mid and late 19th century. This is an area of distinctive urban form and visual richness.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 213 Fig 8.4 The Long Walk The Long Walk has a particularly attractive setting, with views towards the sea and the Claddagh. The area characterises a distinct urban form, which reflects Galway’s historic relationship with the sea and is a landmark area for the city. Fig 8.5 St. Nicholas Street St. Nicholas Street is a terrace of 19th century artisan’s dwellings and is one of the few such groups of this extent and completeness, which survive in the city, and therefore merits preservation from a social and architectural interest. Fig 8.6 St. Mary’s Terrace St. Mary’s Terrace consists of two 19th century uniform terraces of attractive, well maintained, rendered, tudor-style houses flanking St. Mary’s Avenue. This group of buildings is of architectural interest retaining many original decorative features including red brick detailing and bay windows at ground floor level and front gardens. Fig 8.7 Number 1-6 Dock Road Number 1-6 Dock Road consists of a terrace of Victorian buildings on a prominent position overlooking the commercial dock and form part of a terrace of the few remaining 19th century buildings on the street. Number 1 Dock Road has historical significance as it was the birth place of Padraic O’Connaire.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design214 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Fig 8.8 Eyre Square Eyre Square is a significant historical civic space within the city, the green area itself dates back to the mid-17th Century. The square comprises both historic and modern buildings with varying styles ranging from late Georgian to Victorian and modern. While significant intervention has taken place, it still retains the original form with a unified streetscape. Fig 8.9 Number 11 – 18 University Road Number 11-18 University Road comprise a mid to late 19th century terrace of attractive rendered facades with front gardens, boundary walls and railings. This distinctive terrace was built by the Catholic Church, primarily to house academic staff of University of Galway. This ACA is of social and architectural interest and is a strong and defining element of the streetscape. Fig 8.10 Number 7–14 Presentation Road Number 7-14 Presentation Road are a group of eight semi detached dwellings. They date to the early 20th century and were constructed by local builders (McDonaghs) to house staff of the company. The dwellings are attractive, modestly scaled houses which provide a pleasant setting opposite St. Josephs Church which dates from 1886. The intact, unified character of these buildings gives distinction to the streetscape. Fig 8.11 Number 34-38 St. Mary’s Road Number 34-38 St. Mary’s Road comprise a terrace of three dwellings and two detached dwellings dating to the early 20th century. This group of houses retain their historic fabric, with rendered facades, decorative quoins and paneled front boundary walls. They have a setback address and are elevated above St. Mary’s Road giving an intact, unified character to the streetscape.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 215 The Council intends to advance the preparation of Architectural Conservation Area Management Plans within the city and review and complete the Eyre Square ACA Management Plan. The Management Plans will be completed in consultation with the property owners and relevant stakeholders. The preparation of the Management Plans will set out a coordinated approach to works and operations in the ACA and give guidance on good conservation practice. They will also include a strategy for Local Authority works that is responsive to the city’s unique character and aligns with the Public Realm Strategy vision for Galway. Policy 8.2 Architectural Conservation Areas 1. Protect and enhance the character and special interest of designated Architectural Conservation Areas, in accordance with legislation and DEHLG Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines 2011. 2. Prepare and implement management plans for the conservation and enhancement of designated Architectural Conservation Areas. 3. Ensure that developments within an Architectural Conservation Area respects and enhances the character and special interest of the ACA. 4. Ensure the character of Architectural Conservation Areas is preserved by protecting and conserving historic street furniture and paving features and ensure that new street furniture and surfacing is designed to be compatible with the character of the ACA. 8.4 Vernacular Heritage Thatched buildings are excellent examples of vernacular architecture using traditional building forms, local materials and local building techniques. A Survey and Inventory of Galway City’s Thatched Buildings provides a valuable detailed record of the remaining thatched structures in the city. This will be updated and published to raise awareness of their heritage value. The importance of these buildings is reflected in their designation as protected structures. The active use and maintenance of these thatched structures by their owners, have contributed to their survival and some have been supported over the years by heritage grants. In addition to structures of special interest included in the RPS and designated ACAs, the city contains a wide variety of structures and features, that contribute to local heritage and the distinctive character of the city. That character can be extensively diminished by their loss through demolition and replacement. The Council will encourage the retention and continued use of such structures recognising their contribution to local identity and a continuing sense of place. The conservation of original windows, doors, roof coverings and other significant features that contribute to the character of structures and the overall area will be encouraged. Regular maintenance of buildings also increases resilience to the impacts of climate change. Shaping the Future, Case Studies in Adaptation and Reuse in Historic Urban Environments (2012) and the Built and Archaeological Heritage Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (2019) are useful guiding documents on adaption and reuse. The forthcoming National Policy on Architecture will give further guidance on appropriate energy upgrading and reuse of traditional buildings.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design216 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Policy 8.3 Vernacular Heritage 1. Encourage the conservation and rehabilitation, renovation and reuse of existing structures that contribute to the character of the city. 2. Take cognisance of the ‘The Inventory of Thatched Buildings’ in the assessment of any proposed works to such structures. 8.5 Archaeology Galway has a rich archaeological heritage, which extends from the mesolithic, medieval and post-medieval periods and includes considerable industrial archaeology. The archaeological heritage includes a legacy of deposits, features, structures, samples, artefacts and their context. Through archaeology, current and future generations can achieve an understanding of the processes which shaped the city. The medieval legacy of the city is apparent from the form and character of the city centre which has a large group of multi-period buildings containing medieval and late medieval fabric. Outside of the city centre, there is also a range of important sites such as Ballybaan ringfort and Roscam standing stone and monastic site. This archaeology creates an important historical resource, unique to Galway City. Archaeological heritage sites are protected by the National Monuments Act, 1930-2014. A list of sites, structures, features or objects of archaeological significance known as the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is compiled nationally by the National Monuments Service of the DHLGH. The RMP is mapped and represented this sites under protected which can also include for a need for care of the area around each monument where there is the possibility of further archaeological remains. There are approximately 105 sites of archaeological significance (Record of Monuments and Places) located throughout the city. Given the medieval legacy of Galway, most of the city centre is designated as a Zone of Archaeological Notification (ZAN). In advance of any new development on a site of archaeological significance or within the ZAN there is a requirement for consultation with the DHLGH. It is the policy of the Council to ensure that development within an area of archaeological significance/potential does not adversely impact on archaeological heritage. The Council will have regard to DHLGH guidance and archaeological advice when considering proposed development. Galway has many multi-period buildings containing medieval and late medieval fabric. Many of these buildings are both recorded monuments and protected structures. Through the planning process the Council will encourage the protection of the archaeological heritage of these buildings. Under National Monuments legislation all underwater archaeological structures, features and objects are protected. Given the location of Galway at the mouth of the Corrib with an extensive coastline, there is potential for underwater archaeological remains.
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.