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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- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 217 Where development is taking place it is important that archaeological site reports for sites are compiled and there is good design intervention. Where appropriate, the Council will require impact assessment including contextual assessment, monitoring, surveying or excavation of the archaeological heritage of a site during the development process. Figure 8.12: Zone of Archaeological Notification Policy 8.4 Archaeology 1. Protect, preserve and promote the archaeological heritage of the city including underwater archaeology in rivers, lakes, intertidal and subtidal environments. 2. Ensure that proposed development within the designated city centre Zone of Archaeological Notification is not detrimental to the character of an archaeological site or its setting. 3. Have regard to the archaeological recommendations of the DHLGH on any planning applications. 4. Endorse the sustainable use of archaeological heritage as an educational and cultural resource and promote public awareness of the archaeological heritage of the city. 5. Require the surveying, recording or excavation of archaeological heritage to include standing historic buildings and underwater archaeological heritage during the development process, where appropriate. 6. Seek the preservation in situ or, at a minimum, preservation by record of archaeological sites/monuments included in the Record of Monuments and Places and of previously unknown sites, features or objects of archaeological interest that are revealed through development activity. 7. Ensure that any development proposal with potential to impact on archaeological heritage, including the setting and amenity of sites and monuments, includes for an archaeological assessment. This includes within terrestrial, riverine, inter-tidal and sub-tidal environments.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design218 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 8.6 Industrial Heritage Galway’s industrial heritage is evident in the historic relationship between the city and waterways, such as the canals, millraces and mill wheels, all of which are included in the Industrial Heritage Audit of Galway City (2013) carried out by the Heritage office. This relationship is also a defining characteristic of the city’s public realm and their conservation and potential for enhancement are part of the Public Realm Strategy (2019). Many industrial heritage features are also listed on the RPS. Policy 8.5 Industrial Archaeology 1. Promote the protection of the varied industrial heritage of the city and encourage greater appreciation and public awareness of this heritage. 8.7 Galway City Walls Galway, having medieval city walls, qualifies to be a member of the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN). This network was established by the Heritage Council to ensure that Ireland’s unique cultural and archaeological heritage in relation to the legacy of medieval fortifications is protected and managed in a sustainable and appropriate manner in the long-term. The National Monuments Acts (1930-2004) gives statutory protection to the city walls. All town defences are considered National Monuments by reason of the historical, architectural and archaeological interest attaching to them. It requires that all works which impact on the fabric of the city defences, or any ground disturbance in proximity to the defences in Local Authority or the Minister’s ownership or guardianship, or that have been the subject of a preservation order, are subject to a requirement for Ministerial Consent. National policy requires that medieval walling and associated features be considered as a single national monument and be treated as a unit for policy and management purposes. This policy requires a presumption in favour of preservation in-situ of archaeological remains both upstanding and below ground and preservation of the character, setting and amenity of town walls. The Galway City Walls Conservation, Management and Interpretation Plan (2013) gives a record of the city walls assessing their significance and vulnerability and sets out a range of conservation principles and measures to address the future management and interpretation of the walls. The most upstanding and intact sections of the city walls are visible in the Eyre Square shopping centre, to the rear of Dunnes Stores on Rosemary Avenue and at Fishmarket. The city wall at Fishmarket which includes the Spanish Arch and typical wall features such as corbels and parapets presents significant potential for enhancement and interpretation by virtue of its location and prominence within an important civic space adjacent to the City Museum and adjoining Comerford House. This potential for improved interpretation will be delivered in conjunction with the development of the Atlantic Museum project supported by Fáilte Ireland. This includes for the refurbishment of Comerford House to form part of the new museum building and the construction of a new museum extension bridging between the existing museum and Comerford House. Work will include for a range of essential conservation repairs and an overall design approach that helps to interpret and showcase the city walls.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 219 Policy 8.6 Galway City Walls 1. Secure preservation in situ of the historic medieval city walls and seek to protect and enhance their settings. 2. Support the implementation of recommendations set out in the’ Galway City Walls Conservation, Management and Interpretation Plan (2013)’. 3. Progress the Atlantic Museum extension and the associated interpretation of the city walls and medieval features of the city. 8.8 Architecture, Urban Design and Placemaking Policy Good urban design can enhance the character of Galway and convey a sense of what is unique about the city. It is essential in the creation of attractive, well-functioning, successful places. A range of national policy documents set out a framework and guidance for achieving good urban design including Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2013) and (2019) update, Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2024),Urban Design Manual - A Best Practice Guide (2009), Retail Design Manual: A Companion document to the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012). The forthcoming National Policy on Architecture will support a high quality, low carbon and more resilient built environment for future generations. The Plan seeks to actively promote the awareness and understanding of the contribution of good design to the general well being of the city. It places emphasis on urban design and sustainable placemaking supporting high quality modern architecture and incorporating architectural heritage in a holistic integrated manner. It is an objective to develop an Architectural Policy for Galway City. A City Architectural Policy will provide a unifying set of principles to guide how neighbourhoods evolve, ensuring that growth, renewal and intensification contribute positively to the city’s identity and built environment. As Galway continues to consolidate through considered infill development and comprehensive activation of greenfield lands, a clear architectural policy will help shape places that are distinctive, legible and rooted in local character. The policy will support high‑quality design that responds to the grain of existing neighbourhoods, strengthen the city’s varied architectural traditions and recognise conservation at the heart of sustainable development. It will recognise the value of Galway’s industrial heritage, archaeology and historic urban layers, ensuring that new buildings and public spaces complement and celebrate these assets. By promoting coherent design principles—rather than prescribing stylistic outcomes— the policy will encourage innovation and a strong sense of place. It will help create well‑designed streets, blocks and buildings that enrich the daily life of residents and visitors. Principles of Good Urban Design Table 8.1 Key Principles in the consideration of good urban design that will be promoted in development: Character The promotion of character by reinforcing the local distinctiveness, identity and sense of place. The typology of streets, layout of parks, open spaces, the natural heritage and the urban morphology contributes to character which evolves over time. New development should enhance this character. Legibility The creation of places that are easily recognisable, and while part of the overall city, they have their own identity through recognisable landmarks and/or streets. New development should enhance the legibility of the surrounding place.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design 220 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Ease of Movement and Connectivity The promotion of accessibility, permeability and universal access making places easy to get to and move within. Ease of movement within a city centre may be through pedestrianisation schemes, creation of new streets, and permeability through shops. In the wider area it may be through enhanced public transport, provision of greenways and linkages from residential areas to local services and facilities. New development should ensure maximum permeability and accessibility for all. Quality of the Public Realm The promotion of streets and public spaces that are attractive and safe and that allow for social interaction. The design of the public realm in any new development requires careful consideration in terms of its layout, function and use of materials such as surfaces and street furniture. Continuity and Enclosure The promotion of the continuity of street frontages and the enclosure of spaces by clearly defined edges which distinguish public and private areas. Diversity and Adaptability The creation of places that have variety and choice through a mix of uses which are compatible and viable and which can adapt to changing socio-economic conditions. Environmental Responsibility and Climate Resilience The creation of places which foster sustainable energy consumption and reduced carbon footprint through enhancing sustainable transportation, utilising renewable energy technologies and SUDs, enhancing biodiversity and climate adaptation measures. Good urban design is essential in creating a good image of the city with a strong identity. The detailed design of a building and use of materials are important considerations. High quality architectural design is also important in the context of urban design having regard to the layout and intensity of blocks, plots and buildings. The density of development and the mix, type and location of uses are also key considerations. The greening of the city through the use of innovative design features in buildings such as green roofs and walls are important measures in the control of surface water runoff, enhancing biodiversity and promoting a varied streetscape. The use of innovative building design and layout that demonstrates a high level of energy conservation, energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources is a key consideration. The development guidelines and standards for new development are contained in Chapter 11. These combined with the application of the key principles of good urban design give guidance in on how to plan and design developments that can contribute to a high standard of urban design for the city. This approach contributes also to the protection and enhancement of existing areas that support good urban design qualities. Urban Density and Building Height The Galway City Urban Density and Building Heights Study (2021) outlines a strategy to help guide and influence urban density and building height of new development. It is prepared in the context of a national policy agenda which revolves around nurturing a more sustainable, compact form of development that can make a positive contribution to the character of the city and create good quality mixed use communities. Notwithstanding the pursuance of compact growth, Galway’s City Core is a historic environment with a sensitive and distinct character. This setting is complemented by both the river and coastline context which provides an impressive landscape and townscape features. As such, the impacts of new development on the city’s character and setting will be a major consideration within the visibility envelope of the historic core and natural environment context. The study following analyses, includes for densities and building height ranges open for consideration as part of the overall assessment of proposed developments.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 221 These suggested ranges of scale and intensity are a guide and are not absolute measures to be pursued or achieved and each site should be considered on its merits. Densities and heights lower or higher than those outlined in the study may be appropriate when assessed against other relevant policy and guidance. Large sites may support opportunities for exceptional forms of development, this will be where their built form, their social, economic and environmental impact can deliver excellence. Where sites of scale are capable of generating their own character, in particular at the Ceannt Quarter, Inner Harbour and Headford Road Regeneration Areas, scope for greater height is open for consideration where this additionality can demonstrate justification which may be based on outstanding architectural design and satisfy all other planning considerations. In general, the capacity for height will be assessed in conjunction with the development guidance set out in the Galway Urban Density and Building Height Study (2021) Section D Spatial strategy. Sustainable Neighbourhoods and Placemaking Galway City comprises of a number of neighbourhoods, each having their own distinct character and identity. It is policy to strengthen communities and neighbourhoods in the city and to support the development of new communities in areas such as at the planned urban extension at Ardaun and on designated Regeneration and Opportunity areas. Guided by the principles of the neighbourhood concept as included for in Chapter 3, the Urban Density and Building Height Study has set out a spatial strategy to ensure that additional development can assimilate well into area setting and takes account of a wide range of relevant issues including the context of the site, the character of the surrounding area, existing amenity value and the need for good quality, urban and building design to support successful placemaking and liveability. It is the intention that the evolution and development of neighbourhoods will be guided by a Galway City architectural policy, which will ensure that growth, renewal and intensification contribute positively to the city’s identity and built environment. Regeneration and Opportunity Areas Good urban design within Galway City seeks to reinforce the distinctive character of the city by ensuring a high quality built environment through good place-making and the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods. Within the city centre in particular, it is important to promote new development that integrates well and respects the city’s existing built form and natural and historic environment. In regeneration areas including key areas at Ceannt Station, Inner Harbour and at the Headford Road area there will be a need to develop a new local distinctiveness. These areas will require development to be supported by a strategic framework and spatial plan which includes for a long term vision for the area with functional divisible stages of development where relevant. They will be required to demonstrate that good urban design principles are being applied, compact mixed use growth is being encouraged and that economic, social and environmental dividend is being achieved along with a positive contribution to the physical expansion of and liveability of the city. Other emerging key regeneration sites include lands at Sandy Road and at Dyke Road, the potential development of these lands are being progressed by the Council in collaboration with the LDA. Potential for regeneration and re-use of historic structures also exists at Nun’s Island with University of Galway preparing emerging regeneration proposals. Sites associated with district centre designation and a number of brownfield opportunity sites also been identified as having potential to accommodate planned growth. These areas can provide opportunities for inclusion of high quality architecture and urban design in their development which can strengthen the urban spatial structure, liveability, economic viability and support the sustainable of neighbourhood. There are also opportunities for landmark buildings in these areas which can help establish a distinct area character and reinforce identity of place.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design 222 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Shopfronts and Signage In Galway, in particular in the historic core, the varied nature of shopfronts which has evolved since the medieval period creates a visual attractiveness and intimacy. Many shopfronts incorporate elements of historic fabric and medieval fragments which preserves a rich historical record and contributes to a unique streetscape. The sensitive conservation of these shopfronts is required to protect their quality and to retain the character of the streetscape. There is also a requirement for a high standard in contemporary shopfront design. Good quality shopfront design and outdoor signage enhances the streetscape, respects accessibility, encourages investment and promotes a positive image of the city. In order to encourage shopfront conservation and good design, The Councils Shopfront and Signage Design Guidelines (2012) provides guidance on good shopfront design including contemporary design, conservation and restoration of shopfronts and advice on sensitive shopfront solutions. The Public Realm Strategy (2019) also gives guidance for signage to improve accessibility, minimize street clutter and to complement Galway’s character. Local Area Plans and Masterplans/Framework Plans Within the framework of the City Development Plan, an Area Plan can provide more detailed planning policies for areas where significant development and change is anticipated. Area Plans are proposed for Murrough, Headford Road, Castlegar and Doughiska. They will include for an urban design framework which will have a key role in translating at the local level, the policies included in Section 8.8 relating to urban design and provide guidance in relation to layout, density, diversity of uses, access and infrastructural provision, and the integration of green spaces/parks which will contribute significantly to achieving ahighquality place. Major regeneration schemes in and around the city will have a significant impact on Galway’s growth, evolution and future character and success. In light of the significant planned growth for Galway, the Urban Density and Building Height Study provides design principles and guidance to promote high standards of design, both in buildings, streets and public spaces. Where an area of land requires a masterplan/spatial framework, it will also include a specific contextual urban design strategy. Such masterplans/spatial frameworks will be required to demonstrate how redevelopment will incorporate a good standard of architecture in conjunction with a high quality of urban design standard, in accordance with City Development Plan policies and objectives. This approach will encourage developments that can contribute to making successful places, contribute to distinctive place making and
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 223 enable new urban extensions to link well and efficiently into the existing built form. For those in the city centre area this can mean growing and expanding the vibrancy of the core area, creating new quarters, new streets and new spaces and by design ensuring that they are safe, accessible, pleasant to use and human in scale. (See Chapter 10 for further guidance). Other Mechanisms to Achieve Principles of Good Design In order to facilitate the assessment process of planning applications, the Urban Density and Building Height Study gives guidance for increased density and height which will be subject to specific contextual assessment. Proposals should clearly demonstrate the following: Heritage Assets and their Setting A positive relationship with relevant heritage assets and their setting and the historic character that contributes to the city’s distinctiveness. Design Quality Exceptional design quality, including height, massing, proportion, materials, detailing, site layout and its relationship with the surrounding area, which set it apart in terms of quality and distinctiveness, and which positively contributes towards the context and character of the area. Any development proposals for buildings above the prevailing benchmark height will be required to be accompanied by a design statement. This will include a range of graphic material which may include photomontages and a 3D element where required. The Council will investigate the potential for acquiring a model of the city to facilitate assessment of development. This model could be a simple 3D block model of existing buildings which would enable preliminary assessment of proposals on sensitive sites. This would provide for an early stage of assessment of development and would facilitate efficient use of the pre-consultation process. Other visualisation techniques and illustrative measures will also be investigated as useful tools to aid assessment. Townscape Rationale A clear townscape rationale where increased height is proposed, marking key locations or nodes, and responding to public transport accessibility and activity. Tall Building Statement Where a tall building, one that significantly exceeds the prevailing benchmark heights is proposed, it shall be accompanied by a Tall Building Statement which gives justification for an exception for such height and includes at a minimum the case for the proposal based on location, design, context and assimilative capacity. Impact Assessment An assessment of all visual and environmental impacts including microclimate, daylight and sunlight, overlooking, overshadowing, impact on skyline and views, ecological assets and green spaces and the provision of appropriate mitigation where required. Sustainability and Climate Benefits Significant sustainability and climate action benefits including in building design, construction, operation and connections to the surrounding area. Public Realm That appropriate public realm, amenity, landscaping, rest and play spaces are incorporated to a high standard.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design 224 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Policy 8.7 Architecture, Urban Design and Placemaking 1. To develop and adopt a citywide architectural framework that promotes high‑quality design, supports the character and distinctiveness of Galway’s neighbourhoods , and encourages development that responds creatively to local context, conservation principles, industrial heritage, archaeology and the wider built environment, ensuring that new buildings, places and spaces contribute positively to Galway’s evolving urban identity. 2. Encourage high quality urban design in all developments. 3. Improve qualitative design standards through the application of design guidelines and standards of the Development Plan, the Galway Public Realm Strategy (2019) and accompanying design, activity and delivery manuals, Galway Shopfront and Signage Design Guidelines (2012) and Design Guidelines Canopies (2011). 4. Ensure that development delivers high quality urban design, place making and public realm that contributes to urban regeneration in the city and that is resilient to potential impacts of climate change. 5. Encourage innovation in architecture and promote energy efficiency and green design. 6. Prepare Local Area Plans, masterplans and spatial/design frameworks which provide an urban design framework to contribute to the development of sustainable, vibrant working and living environments. 7. Promote sustainable and inclusive urban design, urban form and architecture that positively contributes to the city’s existing character and distinctiveness. 8. Adhere to the Galway City Urban Density and Building Height Study (2021) and promote development which incorporates high quality sustainable and inclusive urban design, urban form and architecture that positively contributes to the city’s character, heritage and neighbourhood areas. 9. Proposals for buildings which are taller than the prevailing benchmark heights will only be considered where they do not have an adverse impact on the context of historic buildings, ACA’s, residential amenity or impinge upon strategic views, in accordance with the Urban Density and Building Height Study for the city. 10. Promote the reuse and adaptation of derelict and vacant buildings. 11. Progress, by way of the Development Sites Register, the development of derelict sites for housing and regeneration purposes through consultation with landowners and the application the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (as amended) and other means available to Galway City Council.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 225 8.9 Public Realm The character and quality of the city is defined to a significant extent by its public realm. Public realm is a broad term used to describe outdoor space that is accessible to the public. This includes spaces between buildings, streets, roads, squares, parks and water fronts. It accounts for a considerable part of the city and is a primary area for social interaction and public life. Public realm provides a meeting place, a venue for events, for social entertainment and an important setting to the built environment. Enhancements to public realm bring sustainable socio-economic, environmental and cultural benefits to the city and improve connectivity and accessibility. They also improve resilience to climate change through integrating tree cover and other green infrastructure. Significant improvements have been made to the public realm over the years, such as the Pedestrianisation Scheme, the Eyre Square Enhancement Scheme and the Riverside Walk. Smaller projects to improve accessibility and safety in the public realm have included additional public lighting at Blackrock, improved pedestrian infrastructure and facilitation throughout the city and increased landscaping and biodiversity in public areas. In view of the NPF/RSES ambitions for the city to become a city of scale and in conjunction with other overlapping strategies for transport and flood defences it was considered timely to prepare a comprehensive approach to the public realm. In this regard a City Council cross departmental committee worked in conjunction with consultants to prepare a Public Realm Strategy for the city. The Galway Public Realm Strategy (2019) and accompanying Design, Activity and Delivery Manuals, provides a comprehensive and flexible, long term strategy to deliver high quality public realm complementing innovative steps which had already advanced. Core themes of the strategy are to celebrate Galway’s rich heritage in the design of the public realm and to make the city centre as welcoming and accessible to everyone as possible, promoting the principles of universal design. The strategy seeks to enhance the quality of the built environment of the city and also help support sustainable communities, providing meeting places, entertainment and event spaces, market spaces, exhibition and art spaces, outdoor eating spaces and passive amenity spaces. It also seeks to enhance green infrastructure, increase biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change and flooding. The Plan supports the implementation of the strategy and the supporting manuals, including the delivery manual which supports specific enhancement projects and a typology of streets and public spaces that can positively contribute to the city’s environment and heritage. It reflects the Plan policy to create strong links between the city centre and regeneration areas of the Harbour, Ceannt Station, Headford Road and at Nuns Island and to deliver high quality public realm. The creation of small-scale microspaces by redesigning ‘leftover’ spaces and the conversion of car parking spaces to parklets is also promoted as measures to improve the livability of the city. The implementation of the GTS measures will also have capacity to add significantly to the city’s public realm and the experience of the city environment. The Plan promotes environmental improvements to the public realm in the city and requires that qualitative public realm considerations are integrated into all projects, both private developments and public initiatives, including those associated with implementation of the GTS.
- Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design226 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Figure 8.13 Typology of Key Streets and Public Spaces in Galway City Centre Source Galway Public Realm Strategy 2019 Public Realm Schemes Advancement of the key projects in the Public Realm Strategy have been enabled by the success of Galway City Council’s application for Urban Regeneration and Development funding. This will build on the success of previous urban regeneration projects activated in the 1990’s. Projects identified in the public realm strategy have been prioritised for delivery by the Council to provide significant new and improved public realm on streets and spaces. The projects comprise new public spaces at Woodquay and the Galway Cathedral, rejuvenated space at Fishmarket and Eyre Square (North) and new public realm which will support sustainable transport use and pedestrianisation of specific city centre streets. Environmental improvements for Shop Street are also to be advanced as part of the pedestrian area rehabilitation programme. The projects are part of a wider strategic development programme for the city that will align with the NPF agenda to grow the city supported by a focus on compact growth and regeneration.
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.