Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029

1. Page 231

   Cite this pagePDF p. 231 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 227 Figure 8.14 Key Public Realm Schemes in the City Centre The Council, in consultation with the local residents and businesses, also propose to carry out civic improvements to the Small Crane square as part of the ongoing citywide initiative to improve and enhance public spaces and which will be advanced by the implementation of the public realm strategy and learnings from the outdoor dining initiatives introduced during the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions. The Council will build on pedestrian improvements carried out to date at Raven Terrace to enhance permeability to the West Area and continue to investigate opportunities to carry out improvements allied to implementation of the public realm strategy and the GTS. Measures undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic to accommodate pedestrianisation and use of the street network for outdoor seating and dining have been shown to enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the city centre area and will be considered in conjunction with all stakeholders. An improvement scheme at Bowling Green in conjunction with the public will include traffic calming measures, improvements in the public realm and urban greening measures to enhance the local environment. Policy 8.8 Public Realm 1. Progress implementation of the Public Realm Strategy (2019) and accompanying manuals including the delivery of enhancement projects and a typology of streets and public spaces that positively contributes to the city’s environment and heritage. 2. Build upon Galway’s distinctive materiality and character to inform the design of the public realm. 3. Rationalise materials, street furniture and planting in Galway to create well-designed, coordinated public realm.

2. Page 232

   Cite this pagePDF p. 232 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban Design228 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 4. Prioritise the safe movement of people on streets and create a high quality environment through design promoting connectivity, accessibility and the principles of universal design. 5. Promote nature based SUDS solutions in the public realm where possible to enhance biodiversity and resilience to climate change. 6. Promote the important role that public space plays in providing for informal social interaction and maximise opportunities for outdoor gathering places, play areas, outdoor dining and living and outdoor public seating, where appropriate and in accordance with the Public Realm Strategy and accompanying manuals. 7. Support measures in the GTS to ensure that qualitative public realm considerations are integrated into GTS projects promoting sustainable transport use and the pedestrianisation of specific city centre streets. 8. Establish strong links between the city centre and regeneration areas of the Harbour, Ceannt Station and Headford Road and at Nuns Island. 9. Prioritise the creation of public spaces in the development of regeneration areas and opportunity sites and deliver high quality public realm. 10. Promote high standards of design, materials and workmanship in the public realm. Ensure that such works adhere to the principles and guidance of the Public Realm Strategy and has regard to the distinctive character of an area. 8.10 Specific Objectives Specific Objectives Record of Protected Structures 1. Facilitate the conservation, adaptation and reuse of the waterworks building at Terryland Water Treatment Plant. 2. Progress implementation of Conservation Management Plan recommendations for Merlin Castle, Terryland Castle and Menlough Castle. 3. Progress implementation of the Conservation Management Plan for the Browne Doorway. Architectural Conservation Area 4. Advance the preparation of Architectural Conservation Area Management Plans within the city and review and complete the Eyre Square ACA Management Plan. Vernacular Heritage 5. Increase public awareness of the vernacular heritage of the city including through publication of ‘The Inventory of Thatched Buildings’. Urban Design and Placemaking 6. Require the use of design statements and Masterplans/spatial frameworks for development where appropriate.

3. Page 233

   Cite this pagePDF p. 233 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Built Heritage, Placemaking and Urban DesignGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 229 Public Realm 7. Establish a cross-departmental working group to coordinate public realm strategy implementation and develop and deliver a proactive maintenance and management strategy, in liaison with external agencies delivering public realm works. 8. Support public realm enhancement projects contained in the Public Realm Strategy and accompanying manuals and their integration with GTS projects, environmental improvements and initiatives relating to climate adaption, biodiversity, public art and activities in the public realm. 9. Examine outputs of the Galway City Mobility Management Team for the sustainable use of outdoor space and streets. 10. Progress the delivery of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) projects which comprise of new public spaces at Woodquay and the Galway Cathedral, rejuvenated space at Fishmarket, Eyre Square (North) and increased City Centre pedestrianisation. 11. Prepare environmental improvement schemes for Bowling Green and carry out further public realm improvements at Raven Terrace. 12. Carry out a Civic Improvement Scheme for the Small Crane Square. 13. Advance an environmental improvement scheme for Shop Street as part of the pedestrian area rehabilitation programme and extend the pedestrian zone, in consultation with local communities and stakeholders. 14. Create a number of small-scale microspaces in the city centre by redesigning ‘leftover’ spaces and the conversion of car parking spaces to parklets. 15. Carry out an audit of existing street furniture poles and signage in the public realm, with the aim of removing redundant elements. 16. Carry out an audit of existing roads and public realm spaces in Galway in order to itemise in priority order the specific locations which need to be modified to improve accessibility.

4. Page 234

   Cite this pagePDF p. 234 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and Infrastructure228 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Environment and Infrastructure99.1 Context 231 9.2 Flood Risk Assessment 232 9.3 Water Quality 234 9.4 Water Services 9.5 Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) 235 238 9.6 Control of Major Accident Hazards (Seveso III Directive) 239 9.7 Air Quality 240 9.8 Noise 240 9.9 Light Pollution 9.10 Waste Management 241 242 9.11 Telecommunications 9.12 A Smart City 9.13 Energy and Associated Infrastructure 244 245 245

5. Page 235

   Cite this pagePDF p. 235 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and InfrastructureGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 231 9.1 Context The sustainable management of water, waste and other environmental services is necessary to safeguard the environment, ensure health and wellbeing and to support the sustainable growth of the city. Climate change is also an important consideration. Planning policy must incorporate consideration of future climate conditions and adaptation options including flood risk, accommodation of renewable energy sources, energy conservation and improved management of resources. Issues such as a sufficient supply of clean water, good air quality and sustainable waste management are of major importance for the city. The plan supports the provision of critical infrastructure in conjunction with relevant statutory providers including Irish Water, to address these issues in a manner that protects public health, the environment and addresses the challenges of climate change. The SEA and AA are important tools in ensuring that plan policy does not have an unduly negative impact on the environment. The plan also supports new technology and a smart city approach in order to enhance the quality and performance of urban services and to reduce costs and consumption of resources enabling the city to grow and respond to economic, social and environmental challenges. Digital technologies in particular, are seen as key to future proofing the city and enabling the transition to a smart city. This builds on the growth ambitions of the RSES which focus on building a competitive economy and a well-connected region through the delivery of digital infrastructure such as a high-quality ICT network and delivery of the National Broadband Plan. Infrastructure to ensure a sufficient and secure energy supply is also critical for the city and plan policy supports provision in liaison with relevant statutory providers including Eirgrid, ESB and Bord Gáis. The transition away from fossil fuels and the move towards more sustainable energy sources is also a key policy focus of the plan.

6. Page 236

   Cite this pagePDF p. 236 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and Infrastructure232 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 9.2 Flood Risk Assessment Climate change impacts which include more intense storms, storm surges, sea level rise and increased occurrences of long high-intensity rainfall events, contribute to an increased likelihood of flooding. The city is particularly vulnerable to flooding by virtue of its location on the Atlantic coast and River Corrib and this requires a comprehensive approach to flood management. The Development Plan can play an important role in flood management through policy and land use zoning and to date large sections of the natural flood plains of the coast and River Corrib have been protected from compromising development. Other policies in relation to control of drainage and surface water management also support flood management. In the preparation of the Plan, in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009), a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) has been carried out to assess the implications for planning policy of flood risk. The SFRA adopts a largely precautionary approach to land use zoning to avoid directing development towards areas at risk of flooding. Areas subject to development and identified as being at risk of flooding, are assessed through a justification test, to determine their suitability and requirements for site-specific flood risk assessment and detailed mitigation are considered on a site by site basis. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead agency for flood risk management. In 2011 the OPW completed a national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA), carried out under the EU Floods Directive, which identified areas of potentially significant flood risk. Subsequent to this, the OPW undertook the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management study (CFRAMs) which established a long term strategy and measures for the management of flood risk in the city and wider Corrib catchment. It concluded that a flood relief scheme would be a viable and effective option to protect the city against fluvial and tidal flood risk, to provide for future resilience, and to enable the city to develop in a sustainable way. The Coirib go Cósta Galway City Flood Relief Scheme commenced in November 2020. The objective of the scheme is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway City. Coirib go Cósta, while primarily focused on addressing the sustainable and effective management of flood risk, will ensure that the design of any measures, in particular structural measures, takes cognisance of the sensitivity of the distinctive context of the city.

7. Page 237

   Cite this pagePDF p. 237 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and InfrastructureGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 233 Where development is required it must complement the character, sensitive environment, cultural legacy and built form of the city in any design. The design of the flood relief measures will be required to include for creative landscape architectural solutions, which can, in addition to addressing flood risk management, bring value to the urban context and public realm and integrate with other advancing projects. The project will facilitate public consultation at key stages of the process. Subject to planning consent, construction is programmed to start in 2025 with an estimated 36 month build timescale. Coastal erosion is also a risk for certain areas of the city. Where necessary, the Council will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate environmentally and economically sustainable coastal protection works in order to address coastal erosion and flooding in the most vulnerable areas of the city. Any future defence works within the shoreline will take account of the long-term interrelationships between defences and coastal processes in the wider area, the need to protect the environment and natural habitats and include opportunities for maintaining and enhancing the natural coastal environment, where deemed appropriate. Specifically where coastal erosion measures are being progressed for Sailin to Silverstrand these shall be examined for the capacity to incorporate amenity measures including a link of the walkway from Blackrock to Silverstrand. Policy 9.1 Flood Risk 1. Support, in co-operation with the OPW, the implementation of EU Flood Risk Directive (2007/60/EC), the Flood Risk Regulations (SI No, 122 of 2010) and the DECLG and OPW Guidelines for Planning Authorities, the Planning System and Flood Risk Assessment Management (2009), updated/superseding legislation or departmental guidelines and have regard to the findings and relevant identified actions of the Corrib Catchment Flood Risk Management (CFRAM) Study. 2. Support and facilitate the implementation of the Coirib go Cósta Galway City Flood Relief Scheme in conjunction with the OPW to support a climate resilient city, protect against flooding and minimise the impact of future climate events. Support in general the associated mitigation and adaptation measures in order to prevent flooding and coastal erosion, subject to appropriate environmental, visual, built heritage and other relevant considerations. 3. Ensure the recommendations of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 are taken into consideration in the assessment of developments in identified areas of flood risk and require site specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and associated design and construction measures appropriate to the scale and nature of the development and the risks arising, in all areas of identified flood risk including on sites where a only small proportion of the site is at risk of flooding and adopt a sequential approach in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009). 4. Protect and promote sustainable management and uses of water bodies and watercourses from inappropriate development, including rivers, streams, associated undeveloped riparian strips, wetlands and natural floodplains. 5. Ensure flood risk is incorporated into the preparation of any future local area plans, framework plans and masterplans in the city. 6. Ensure any proposed measure designed to alleviate flooding/coastal erosion is subject to Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive, where appropriate. 7. Continue to protect the coastal area and the foreshore and avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of coastal erosion and/or would cause and escalate coastal erosion in adjoining areas. 8. Protect and maintain, where feasible, undeveloped riparian zones and natural floodplains along the River Corrib and its tributaries.

8. Page 238

   Cite this pagePDF p. 238 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and Infrastructure234 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 9.3 Water Quality A high-quality, clean, drinking water supply and good bathing water quality is important for the future economic development, physical growth and public health of the city. There is a diverse range of natural water assets in the city, including the sea, rivers, lakes, canals and ground water. It is vital that these water bodies are protected against pollution and that water quality is maintained at a good level. The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) established an integrated catchment based approach for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of inland waters, including groundwater, with the aim of improving the quality of the water environment. The WFD aims to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters and ensure good status as a minimum. It also aims to achieve compliance with the requirements for designated protected areas which are deemed to require special protection because of their particular importance. These areas include bathing waters, sources of drinking water, areas in which shellfish are grown or harvested, locations with sensitive habitats and species, or areas that are particularly affected by eutrophication due to excessive inputs of phosphorus and/or nitrogen from urban waste water. The WFD is implemented through the national River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). The draft RBMP for the period 2022-2028 was on public consultation until March 2022 and final approval is expected in 2023. It sets out the measures that are necessary to protect and restore water quality in Ireland. The overall aim of the plan is to ensure that natural waters are sustainably managed and that freshwater resources are protected so as to maintain and improve the water environment. Implementation of the plan is shared across a range of bodies including the local authorities. The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) was established in 2016 as a national shared service on behalf of the local authorities and the City Council works in conjunction with LAWPRO to co-ordinate implementation of the WFD. Good quality bathing water is an important natural resource for recreational use as well as being a significant tourism attraction. The Bathing Water Directive 2006 and Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 set strict standards for the management of bathing water quality. The Council monitors and assesses bathing water quality, provides bathing information, takes action to protect health and to reduce the risk of pollution of these bathing areas. The Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has led to major improvements in bathing water quality in Galway Bay. This is confirmed by the securing of EU Blue Flag status and the National Green Coast Award for Silverstrand and Salthill beaches. All beaches play a major role as recreation and coastal amenity areas for the city including Sliverstrand, Salthill, Grattan and Ballyloughane beaches. The Council, in partnership with Irish Water and other stakeholders, will work to maintain and improve bathing water quality for all beaches within the city. Policy 9.2 Water Quality 1. Support the actions of the River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 and future River Basin Management Plan in order to promote and achieve a restoration of good status, reduce chemical pollution and prevent deterioration of surface, coastal and groundwater quality, where appropriate. 2. Continue to pursue the maintenance of good bathing water quality at the city beaches through monitoring and management actions in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008. 3. Ensure development adheres to prevailing environmental standards and guidelines and accords with emerging legislation and strategy on the marine environment. 4. Maintain and extend the Blue Flag Beaches status in regard to water quality, infrastructure and amenity provision for beaches in the city.

9. Page 239

   Cite this pagePDF p. 239 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Environment and Infrastructure5. Protect the city’s groundwater resource in accordance with the Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC and the European Communities Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations, 2010 (SI No. 9 of 2010) or any updated legislation and limit any development which has potential to impact the objectives for protection, enhancement and/or restoration. 6. Minimise and control discharges to inland surface water bodies, in particular Terryland/ Sandy River, groundwater and coastal waters to prevent water pollution and protect the environment. 9.4 Water Services Uisce Éireann has responsibility for water services infrastructure and treatment facilities for the city since 2014. Currently at local level, through Service Level Agreements, the City Council retains its role in facilitating the provision of water services, in conjunction with Uisce Éireann. The Council retains responsibility for surface water services and remains a water protection authority through its functions relating to water quality and monitoring and the issuing of discharge licences to the surface water network. Uisce Éireann is responsible for the issuing of trade discharge licences to foul/combined sewers. It is an objective of Uisce Éireann to provide both drinking water and wastewater strategic infrastructure capacity in a manner which supports the policy direction of the NPF and RSES. Irish Water will continue to develop and improve water and waste water services to support the planned development in the city as outlined in the Core Strategy, subject to the availability of the necessary capital investment and in compliance with environmental objectives and regulations. A good quality and plentiful water supply and adequate wastewater infrastructure is necessary, not only to meet growth ambitions of Galway as an NPF Regional City, but also to achieve environmental and public health standards. The Council will work with Uisce Éireann in identifying water services investment requirements and priorities in the city and support the delivery of the objectives of the Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP) which outlines the strategic direction of Uisce Éireann up to 2040. A National Water Resource plan (NWRP) is currently being prepared by Uisce Éireann which will seek to achieve a sustainable, secure and reliable public water supply over the next 25 years. As part of the plan, a regional water resources plan will be developed with a focus on water conservation measures, leak reduction, network efficiency and sustainable water supplies. In relation to waste water services, Uisce Éireann’s wastewater treatment capacity register for Galway City outlines the capacity available at Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). It has a current design load of 170,000 PE (population equivalent). The current load reported in the Annual Environmental Report to the EPA for Galway was circa 103,000 PE for 2020. In this regard it is anticipated that the WWTP has capacity to accommodate the projected growth over the plan period 2023-2029. In order to provide for the targeted growth in the Galway metropolitan area in the medium and long-term, the preparation of a Greater Galway Area Drainage Strategy will commence in 2022 which will consider future waste water networks and treatment options. Previous proposals for the provision of a Galway East Main Drainage WWTP will be revisited as part of the strategy. A Drainage Area Plan (DAP) for the city is currently being prepared and is due for completion in 2023. This plan will assess the wastewater network in detail to identify issues and needs. In parallel with the DAP, a Network Development Plan will also be advanced as a high-level study to help inform servicing of undeveloped zoned sites within the city. The Council will continue to work with Uisce Éireann to ensure that these plans are prepared in the context of planned city growth. With particular reference to the Ardaun area, work is ongoing to progress the design and delivery of waste water services within the Phase 1 southern section. The project includes the provision of a crossing of the dual carriageway and a new wastewater storage tank at Merlin Park Pumping Station No.1. The DAP and Network Development Plan will consider how Phase 2 of Ardaun will be serviced. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 235

10. Page 240

    Cite this pagePDF p. 240 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    Environment and Infrastructure236 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Uisce Éireann in conjunction with the City Council will continually progress measures such as sewer rehabilitation activities, capital maintenance activities, stormwater overflow monitoring and will continue to monitor the performance of the networks to ensure that the most urgent works are prioritised as required. In relation to water supply for the city, the growth of population in the city has been coupled by increases in water demand and the volume of water use per head of population. The city is supplied by the Galway City Public Water Supply (PWS) at Terryland and supplemented by the Tuam Regional Water Supply. These water supplies form the Corrib Water Resource Zone. The Galway City PWS treatment plant at Terryland has a capacity of 55 mega litres per day (MLD). Recent leakage reduction activities undertaken by Galway City Council and Irish Water have led to a significant reduction in demand, with approximately 36.3 MLD supplied by the treatment plant into the water network in February 2021. While it is envisaged that there is adequate capacity to meet the projected increase in population in the city over the Development Plan period, plans to provide a new intake on the River Corrib will enhance supply to cater for future growth and together with a rising main to Clifden Hill reservoir will improve security of supply. It is envisaged that the construction of the new intake which is located on City Council lands south of the Quincentenary Bridge will advance in 2022. The full options assessment stage of the NWRP is currently progressing in consultation with the Water Services department of Galway City Council. This will identify the preferred interim and long-term interventions required to ensure a sustainable water supply for the city. The Council will also continue to encourage water conservation initiatives including rain water harvesting and grey water recycling in developments in liaison with Uisce Éireann.

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.