Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 27 Table 1.7 RSES Settlement Hierarchy as applicable to Galway City Classification Settlement Typology Description Galway City MASP – Regional Centre Galway City and Environs The city is the main urban centre in the region. It operates as a key economic and service centre for the NW region and is a key driver in regional development therein. The associated MASP area is the primary centre identified for growth in the region. Majority of urban footprint is in the Galway City Council area. Regional Growth Centre Large Towns Large Towns with a high level of self –sustaining employment and services. None Strategic Growth Areas New Urban Extension New sustainable high –quality neighbourhoods to meet the housing demands based on population targets in NPF & RSES Ardaun Phase 1 Ardaun Phase 2 Murrough Strategic Growth Areas Existing Neighbourhoods Neighbourhoods that have been established since 80’s and 90’s Consolidation of Knocknacarra Rahoon Castlegar Doughiska / Roscam Key Towns Towns Towns that have capacity to complement regional growth centres and the MASP None Regeneration Sites Reuse redundant / underused brownfield sites Large brownfield sites in built up urban area Inner Harbour/ Galway Port Ceannt Quarter Headford Road Regeneration Area Metropolitan Area – Galway City The period of the plan extends from 2023 to the end of 2028 and is therefore the focus of housing target for the Core Strategy.

2. Page 32

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 28 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 It is considered that the settlement approach in the Core Strategy should include for phasing and strategic reserve. This will demonstrate that the longer term spatial settlement strategy can ultimately accommodate housing for the targeted growth population for Galway City under the MASP that is an increase of 35,000 persons from the recorded population levels in 2016. This approach supports the policy interventionist approach as included for on both the NPF and the MASP. It has the added requirement under national and regional objectives that at least half (50%) of all these new homes targeted in the regional cities, which includes Galway City, should be accommodated within the existing built up footprint. The delivery of much of the housing in the MASP strategic growth area of Ardaun will require significant investment and only a portion is envisaged to be delivered during the currency of this plan. However it is necessary to recognise the longer term scenario that is included for in the regional and national planning strategies and is accordingly being embedded and aligned with strategic investment in the MASP area including that of the Galway Transport Strategy and Uisce Éireann strategy. In addition the regeneration sites as shown in Table 1.7 will contribute to both the targeted number of housing unit delivery in the current plan period and for the longer, more strategic, period. Housing Growth Requirements The National Planning Framework – First Revision 2025 sets national targets for population and housing growth, with National Policy Objective 42 targeting the delivery of approximately 50,000 additional homes nationally per annum to 2040. In July 2025, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage issued Section 28 Guidelines: NPF Implementation Housing Growth Requirements and accompanying circular. These Guidelines provide detailed guidance on how City and County Councils should review their statutory development plans in order to incorporate the updated targets of the Revised NPF. These Guidelines supersede the Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning Guidelines 2020. The Guidelines set annual housing delivery targets for each local authority. Policy and Objective 1 of the Guidelines requires these to be incorporated into City and County Development Plans, while Policy and Objective 2 allows for the provision of up to 50% over and above the housing growth requirement for each local authority. The targets are based on population and housing demand projections undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in 2024 incorporated into the Revised NPF, and on unmet structural housing demand since 2016. The Guidelines set a target of addressing this unmet demand in the near term and up to 2034. For Galway City, the Guidelines set a new annual housing growth requirement of 790 homes to 2034, compared to the existing City Development Plan requirement of 739 units per annum. The Guidelines also allow planning authorities to provide for additional provision of up to 50% over and above the baseline requirement when zoning land and allocating settlement targets through Development Plan Core Strategies. This Core Strategy incorporates a proportion of this additional provision allowance above the baseline requirement, giving further flexibility in the availability of zoned lands to support sequential, infrastructure-led development and housing choice across the city. Housing Growth Requirement Table The housing growth requirements set out in the NPF Implementation Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines run from 2025–2034. The following table outlines the total housing growth requirement for the City until 2034. The requirements for the years 2023– 2024 have been calculated under the previous Housing Supply Target methodology. This combines with the revised annual requirement for 2025 onwards to produce the housing growth requirement.

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 29 Galway City Housing Growth Requirements Table Period Housing Requirement Additional Provision (50%) Total Annual Units 2023-2024 (HST 2020) 739 per annum - 739 per annum 2025-2034 (NPF 2025) (additional requirements) 790 per annum (+51 per annum) 395 per annum 1,185 per annum (+446 per annum) Total (2023-2034) 13,328 units Total Housing Growth Requirement 2025-2034 4,460 units In order to meet the future housing needs of Galway City as set out in the Table 1, Galway City Council has zoned an additional approximately 89 hectares of residential land. In a letter from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage dated 20 February 2026 subject National Planning Framework (NPF) Implementation – Housing Growth Requirements, advice was given that realistic and deliverable residential density assumptions should be applied in accordance with the Guidelines for Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements (2024), with net densities generally comprising 65-80% of the gross area required for zoning purposes, i.e. the difference between lower gross zoned and higher net planning application densities should be accounted for. The below table sets out the estimated number of additional housing units to be provided based on 75% of the gross area zoned and an average density of 75 units per hectare. Estimated Additional Housing Units Table Total Combined Housing Growth Requirement 2025-2034 Quantity of additional lands zoned (ha) Estimated No. of Housing Units 4,460 89 5,006* * Using an estimate of 75% of the gross zoned area and an average of 75 units per hectare The settlement approach in the Core Strategy includes for phasing and strategic reserve. This will demonstrate that the longer-term spatial settlement strategy can ultimately accommodate housing for the targeted growth population for Galway City under the MASP, that is an increase of 35,000 persons from the recorded population levels in 2016, aligned with the revised NPF projections. This approach aligns with the policy direction set out in both the Revised NPF and the MASP. It also reflects the national and regional requirement that at least 50% of all new homes planned for the regional cities, including Galway City, be delivered within the existing built‑up footprint. 1.5 Settlement Capacity Audit 1.5.1. General A Settlement Capacity Audit was undertaken in order to inform the preparation of the Core Strategy and to meet the specific requirements in relation to Section 10 2(A) (c) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) with respect to areas zoned for residential use and a mix of residential and other uses. The purposes of preparing the audit was to analyse the existing capacity of the city to accommodate residential development during the currency of the plan, identify and provide the basis on which the future housing targets by category as identified in Table 1.8. This table also shows how these are to be allocated and specifically in accordance with Appendix 3 of the NPF where these are classified as Tier

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 30 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 1 (immediately serviceable), Tier 2 (can be serviced fully in the period of the plan) and as previously referenced strategic reserve. A quantum has also been assigned to the housing likely to be delivered on other zoning also. The preparation of the Core Strategy included for a comprehensive review of all existing residential zoned lands and lands zoned for a mix of residential and other uses. It was guided by the range of principles which reflected national and regional policy. These included the agenda on securing compact and sustainable growth. In particular there was significant focus in the review on reusing previously developed “brownfield” lands, building up infill sites and redeveloping existing sites and buildings. These were examined in the context of existing and planned public infrastructure, the location of services, employment and community facilities. They were also reviewed in the context of specific site challenges. These sites are now classed in the Core Strategy as Regeneration and Opportunity Sites. In addition existing undeveloped residential lands were reviewed and also residentially zoned lands where infrastructure delivery may now permit higher densities. This approach also reflects the need to support a reduced carbon footprint. It also reflected the advantages where medium and higher densities can support improved local community services and facilities and sustainable transport links for daily journeys and in general have the capacity to transform vitality of place and contribute to improvements in lifestyle choices. In addition to reviewing the zoning objective in relation to zonings that support residential development, cognisance was also taken of the capacity for housing yield anticipated in Ardaun. Development at Ardaun is anticipated to be delivered in two phases south and north where the dividing boundary is determined by the M6/N6 and delivery is allied to the service program for infrastructure. Ardaun has a national designation as a Major Urban Housing Delivery Site (MUHDS), a designation which the Department sees as one of a number of strategic sites that could deliver housing of scale in the medium term. These lands have significant potential to meet housing need as targeted in the RSES and also have potential to fulfil the aims of an Urban Development Zone as provided for in Housing For All (2021) DHLGH. Overall the area is reliant on significant enabling infrastructural investment, elements of which are advancing and others at early planning stage such as Galway Strategic Drainage Study. The delivery of a portion of housing on Phase One, the southern section, is considered appropriate to be included in the calculation of yield potential for the currency of the 2023-29 City Plan. The timescale, roll out and co-ordination of delivery of critical infrastructure is such that it is anticipated that this sub phase of Phase 1 South Ardaun can be targeted to be delivered during the plan period with the balance to be sequenced in delivery with consequent plan periods. 1.5.2 Settlement Capacity Audit The Settlement Capacity Audit calculated the undeveloped residential zoned lands at 144ha. These lands are all located within the existing built up footprint of the city and represent mainly consolidation of existing residential areas. The Plan proposes a very marginal change from the 2017-23 City Development Plan in the amount of new land zoned for high density residential purposes amounting to an additional 24ha which is included in the 144ha. This addition includes residential lands that had low/medium density zoning pocketed in the eastern suburbs but can now be fully serviced. In line with NPF and RSES and the need to deliver compact development and reuse of brownfield sites, these have been specifically identified and assessed for their potential capacity to deliver housing. This is reflected in the estimated potential yield that can be delivered on these key Regeneration and Opportunity Sites which can support a mix of uses including a significant scale of housing. These constitute 19 number of sites, the majority of which are brownfield in nature with 5 being classified as infill/windfall. With respect to the undeveloped residential zoned lands the yield was established using policy guidelines as provided for in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024 (and the earlier Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) where applicable for comparative purposes) and the Galway Urban Density and Building Height Study 2021, in combination with an audit of recent planning permission densities achieved on similar

5. Page 35

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 31 sites. Where site specific criteria was relevant and which impacted the suitability for housing this was factored into the estimation to ensure a level of robustness. This analysis showed 110ha being included in Tier 1, 11ha in Tier 2 and 13ha of land challenged mainly by virtue of specific site characteristic but adjoining existing developed lands and appropriately sequenced in land use terms. The latter have been included in the strategic reserve. The Regeneration and Opportunities Sites which number 19 in total were reviewed individually. They include lands suitable for a mix of uses with capacity for residential delivery. The identification of these sites included legacy regeneration sites from Galway City Development Plan 2017-23 and a number of additional sites. Many of these sites generally have spatial advantages such as close proximity to the city core, a location along an existing /planned high frequency bus route, good proximity and access to employment, services and amenities. Recognition of their relative suitability for development with a mix of residential use was factored into the assumptions applied at a site specific level in order to provide an estimation of yield. Where sites had the benefit of permissions for residential/part residential uses these were used in yield calculation. In general, otherwise an assumption of residential yield and density was arrived at which included application of recent densities achieved on comparable sites, site specific characteristics, and application of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024 and the Galway Urban Density and Building Height Study 2021. More specific detail with regard to each of these sites and the policy direction for delivery of uses including housing is outlined in Chapter 10. The priority for development of these sites is guided by the MASP identification of regeneration sites as shown in Table 1.7. These include lands at Inner Harbour, Ceannt Quarter and Headford Road Regeneration Area. These are targeted for housing delivery in the current plan period in addition to Sandy Road Regeneration Site (a collaborative venture driven by Galway City Council and the Land Development Agency) and Crown Square Regeneration Site which already has the benefit of permission for high density housing integrated and adjoining a large office campus under construction. It is anticipated that other smaller infill sites will also contribute to reaching the targeted population but are not of the same priority as the sites referenced as priority. In advance of devising the Core Strategy an infrastructure audit was prepared in conjunction with stakeholders in relation to physical infrastructure availability. An assessment of capacity to service lands was carried out. This focused on facilities such as water supply, foul sewer drainage, surface water, public transport infrastructure, roads streets and footpaths. This was prepared to assess capacity for servicing new development and to accord with the tiered methodology approach in the NPF for the approach to classification of zoned land. More details of this strategic infrastructural assessment has been included for in Appendix 4. Essentially Tier 1 are serviced lands in the built up footprint and Tier 2 are lands within the built up footprint or contiguous. An additional category relates to lands that can be described as Strategic Reserve lands – these can include lands that have potential to be developed over a timescale greater than the single six year cycle of the plan. In this regard the lands anticipated to be developed in Phase 2 (North) of the Ardaun area would qualify as this strategic reserve, the subsequent delivery as identified for Phase 1 Ardaun. These lands are not scheduled to be fully supported by infrastructure before 2029, but it is important that it is included to provide for a strategic settlement portion of NPF/RSES/MASP 2040 population delivery and for a longer term infrastructure investment guide. The potential population yield from the staged delivery from the regeneration /opportunity priority sites as referenced and the non–prioritized regeneration/opportunity sites are considered to constitute approximately half of the estimated yield capacity, the balance is classified as strategic reserve. These are reasonable assumptions having considered land use, property dynamics, likely sequence of uses and additional local factors. Table 1.8 the Settlement Capacity Audit gives a composite picture of lands zoned and identifies that zoned lands can accommodate the housing target of 4,433 for the period of the plan as identified in Table 1.4 and follows the methodology applied using the HNDA tool. It was considered prudent also to apply the concept of “headroom” provision as provided for in the NPF roadmap, the MASP and included in NPF “transitional population projections”. The application of this headroom allowance is an established feature in development plans and

6. Page 36

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 32 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 as referenced regarding the NPF roadmap allows for a transitional approach to deliver better alignment between plans at different levels. It is being used to ensure that there is sufficient zoned lands to meet the identified targeted housing needs and to allow for an element of choice and to recognize that the time gap that exists between grants of permission and construction which can result in delivery in subsequent plan periods. It also embraces the need for flexibility to ensure the long term sustainable supply of housing as envisaged in the national housing strategy – Housing for All. Table 1.8 Settlement Capacity Audit Zoning Potential Development Yield Cumulative Tier 1 / Yield Tier 2 / Yield Strategic Reserve R – Residential Zoned lands 5381 4421 440 520 Regeneration /Opportunity/infill 1590 1390 200 1,820 Ardaun Phase 1 500 500 1480 Ardaun Phase 2 2660 2660 R2 – Residential 2 zoned lands low density 60 60 Settlement Capacity Audit Update Following the publication of the National Planning Framework First Revision 2025 and the NPF Implementation Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines, Galway City undertook a revised Settlement Capacity Audit to analyse the existing capacity of the City to accommodate additional residential development. This revised Settlement Capacity Audit is comprised of the Residential Zoned Lands in Galway City Status Report by MKO (the MKO Report) and the Housing Need & Demand Assessment Interim Report by Forvis Mazars (Interim HNDA). The MKO report provides a high-level assessment of residentially zoned lands in Galway City. It identified 165ha of land zoned residential which, as of September 2025 was undeveloped, comprising 96ha of tier 1 lands and 68ha of tier 2 lands. The report analysed the available lands, including Ardaun, Murrough and the identified Opportunity and Redevelopment sites. It concludes that the development potential of Galway City residential zoned land is currently constrained by key infrastructural deficits. An Interim Housing Need and Demand Assessment has been prepared to inform variations to the Development Plan. A final version of the HNDA will be prepared once the HNDA model has been released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and before the next review of the Development Plan. The Interim HNDA provides an evidence base to guide housing policy, land-use planning, and delivery mechanisms in line with the updated national and regional objectives. It identifies that Galway City will require significant activation of serviced land and the expansion of compact, higher density development, along with other measures including targeted interventions, strengthened social and affordable housing programme, and coordinated delivery mechanisms. The two reports provide an evidence base to inform variations to the Galway City Development plan to accommodate the additional zoning necessary to effect housing growth of a scale set out in the Revised NPF and Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines. 1.5.3 Core Strategy Statement The Core Strategy has been developed in line with the vision for Galway City as identified in the Strategic Goals. This focus envisions the city to sustainably develop, strengthen and nurture success, become a city of scale and continue to be a driver of regional growth. The Core Strategy has been updated in accordance with the National Planning Framework – First Revision 2025 which sets national targets for population and housing growth, and the relevant implementation guidelines issued under Section 28 relating to housing growth requirements.

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 33 This vision includes for a settlement strategy that supports the city to transition to a low carbon, climate resilient city. This can be achieved by implementation of a compact growth approach, increased integration between land use and transportation, increased sustainable mobility and sustainable use and management of environmental resources. There is a focus in the strategy to facilitate development within the strategic framework of the Galway Transport Strategy and to align employment and housing growth along existing and planned transport corridors. This will increase active travel, that is walking and cycling and usage of public transport. To deliver on the compact growth approach, the strategy seeks to concentrate a significant amount of development that is, more than half of all new homes within the built footprint of the city and thereby accord with sustainable principles and the NPF/RSES objectives. This will allow for efficient use of existing services, public transport and facilities and in some areas can lead to transformational change bringing additional footfall, new life and facilitate shorter, more sustainable journeys to employment, and recreation opportunities. Policy guidance included in the plan on housing densities and mix, building height, design and layout all contribute to achieving economic use of land and delivery of compact growth. These policies have evolved in conjunction with the outcomes of the Building Height and Density Study prepared as a supporting document for the plan and in line with Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines. The approach to compact growth is further supported by an increasing focus on place making, public realm measures and enhancement of amenity and recreational opportunities. The delivery of these qualitative measures will be guided by the Galway City Public Realm Strategy and the Recreational Needs Study and its successor and General Urban Design Standards. It is a given that compact growth of itself will not deliver sustainable neighborhoods and the vision for the city is that the delivery of housing is balanced with the provision of community infrastructure which includes a range of critical facilities including good open space, recreation facilities, good transport options and appropriate social and community infrastructure. In the interests of delivering compact growth the zoning of additional lands for residential use has been constrained, existing residential areas of the city will grow but through consolidation and modest densification. These areas predominantly include the suburbs of Knocknacarra (Outer Suburbs West), Castlegar and Doughiska (Outer Suburbs East), where there are existing opportunities for additional local employment growth, plans for additional investment in amenity, services and facilitates and planned investment in improved public transport and active mode measures. In general these residential areas are considered serviced. In infrastructural terms specific sites may require short extensions to services that are normally a consideration during the development management process. There are deficits of services for some community needs not necessarily those provided by the local authority but sufficient land use zonings to generally accommodate these are included for and identifying the deficit will be captured in the commitment in the plan to carry out community services audits. The Core Strategy also recognises, in line with the NPF and RSES/MASP direction, the significant potential for a number of brownfield sites in the city to contribute to the delivery of housing. Major potential exists in particular on the priority regeneration sites at Ceannt Quarter, the Inner Harbour, Headford Road, Sandy Road and Crown Quarter. The development of housing at these locations in conjunction with other mix of uses can improve the general environment and revitalise and transform these to vibrant, living locations. The location of the priority sites in the neighborhoods of the City Centre and Inner and Established suburbs will contribute significantly to achieving the national and regional planning strategy particularly that as guided by NPO 3 (b), NPO 6 and RPO 3.6.2 and 3.6.4. Chapter 10 identifies these sites as Regeneration and Opportunity Sites and elaborates on the objectives for these sites that guides how they can contribute to the growth of the city as a regional economic driver while also complementing the character, sensitive environment, cultural legacy and built form of the city. This accords with many national and regional objectives including NPO 4 and NPO 5 and with the ambitions of the MASP. The main urban extension of the city at Ardaun, which is a main focus of the settlement

8. Page 38

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 34 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 strategy is identified as a key enabler under the NPF strategic growth area in the MASP demanded detailed spatial guidance in the form of a Local Area Plan which was adopted in 2018 and expired in 2024 – as a document it remains as guidance and informative for the future development of Ardaun. This area has potential to be a major new residential and employment settlement in the city. It provides a continuous link out from the city and is integrated with the transport strategy and capable of benefiting from planned investment in bus connects, active mode networks and commuter rail investment at Garraun. It will provide opportunities for high density residential development structured and co-ordinated with other essential community services. It is well placed to develop good employment opportunities having close physical links with the existing technology parks at Mervue, Ballybrit / Parkmore and strategic IDA sites at Oranmore and Athenry. It is also well placed to link in with and take advantage of the proximity of the higher level institution at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the significant health institutions at Merlin Park Hospital and the Galway Clinic. Reflecting the recent years of low housing construction and a deficit of investment in infrastructure no housing has been constructed in Ardaun to date. Future delivery will be strongly linked to the stimulus needed from imminent additional infrastructural investment. Notwithstanding this, an implementation strategy to address these constraints is progressing. This included the preparation of an Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) for the former LAP lands which supported applications for successful allocations under both rounds of Urban Regeneration Development Funding (URDF). This funding includes for the upgrade to the primary access to the southern section under construction which will provide bus priority upgrades pedestrian and cyclist facilities and for the assessment of the location and design of an additional access route into the former LAP lands. Design work by Uisce Éireann has also been carried out under the Uisce Éireann Network Extensions which will deliver capacity for a proportion of the overall development during the currency of the plan period by facilitating the Ardaun Wastewater Network Extension. Additional investment in a range of other infrastructure will be required also to enable full development of these lands in time and this will be sequenced with the longer term strategic settlement strategy focus of the MASP and NDP. Lands at Murrough, although primarily designated for recreation and amenity purposes, will also sustain mixed uses including an element of housing and a significant delivery of amenity. This in time will service both the adjacent third level institute at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the existing and planned population on the east of the city. It is anticipated that a Masterplan will be brought forward during the currency of this plan. The Core Strategy has, as demonstrated in Table 1.9 ensured that sufficient lands are available to meet the targeted growth and allow for a reasonable level of additional provision and identify long term reserve lands. The lands available constitute a mix of consolidation of existing residential lands which has capacity to deliver 4,861 homes. Regeneration/opportunity sites are recognised as having significant potential to contribute to sustainable compact growth, particularly those sites as prioritised in the MASP and Core Strategy. These sites are targeted to deliver up to 1,590 housing units during the plan period. Ardaun area, as referenced, a strategic growth area is targeted to deliver 500 units during the currency of this plan. These targets have been aligned with the indicative neighbourhood areas as identified in Figure 3.1, showing the proportionate split between anticipated housing targets delivered from residential zoned lands and those identified as regeneration /opportunity (infill sites). There is an excess of targeted housing units provided for over the quantum arrived at from the estimation of housing need demand assessment (Table 1.4). This has been allowed for in the context of a need for “additional provision”. It is being used to ensure that there is sufficient zoned lands to meet the identified targeted housing needs and to allow for an element of choice and to recognize that the time gap that exists between grants of permission and construction which can result in delivery in subsequent plan periods.

9. Page 39

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   Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 35 Table 1.9 Core Strategy Table Location Proposed Total Residential Unit Yield Y Est. pop capacity* P Proportion of total residential unit yield attributed to Regeneration/ Opportunity Sites Area (Ha) of which is specifically Zoned R residential Outer Suburbs (West) 2322 (Y) 5573 (P) 150 (Y) infill 54 Outer Suburbs (East) 2100 (Y) 5250 (P) 100 (Y) Opportunity /Infill 50 Established Suburbs (West) 120 (Y) 300(P) 0 3 Established Suburbs (East) 1,355 (Y) 3,387(P) 795 (Regeneration ) 14 Inner Residential Area 250(Y) 625(P) 250 (Regeneration) 0 City Centre 295(Y) 737 (P) 295 (Regeneration ) 0 Ardaun 500(Y) 1,250 (P) N/A Portion of R zoned lands in LAP Galway City Total Housing Capacity Yield 6942 Less estimated completions from Q.3 2021 – Q.4 2022** 300 GCC Housing Targets Q.1 2023 to Q4 2028 6642 * Using an estimate of 2.5 per households noting that this not equivalent to population increase solely but also new household formations ** Estimated 1.5.4 Housing Growth Strategy Following the publication of the National Planning Framework First Revision 2025 and the NPF Implementation Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines Galway City Council has developed a targeted, plan-led strategy to meet the government's revised housing growth requirements and to deliver additional housing in the short, medium and long term in line with Ministerial Guidelines. The strategy focuses on four key areas: 1. Regeneration lands This includes the identification of City Hall and its environs and an adjustment to the Sandy Road Regeneration Site to improve viability and connectivity. 2. Infill densification in inner suburban and public transport adjacent locations (with clearer development management standards), Changes have been made to the Development Plan written statement to provide clearer guidance on Galway City's approach to appropriate infill development, including clearer Development Management Standards. 3. Targeted greenfield zoning

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    Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 36 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 This includes a first phase review at Ardaun and a new transport-orientated coastal community at Murrough (capacity up to 2,500 homes, sequenced with rail crossing, wastewater and flood resilience works), with additional lands to be zoned at Merlin, Rosshill and Letteragh. 4. Statutory Area Plans These are proposed for Castlegar and Doughiska to provide guidance on land use, density and enabling infrastructure. This integrated approach ensures sustainable growth, compact development, and strategic regeneration while aligning with guidelines on flexibility, phasing, and infrastructure planning. This approach is reflected predominantly in changes to Chapter 3, Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 and the land use zoning map. It is considered that this approach, along with the quantum of additional zoned lands set out in Table 1.10, will be sufficient to meet the housing growth needs of Galway City. In order to support this strategy, and to meet the future housing needs of Galway City as set out in the Housing Growth Requirement Table, Galway City Council has proposed an additional approximately 89 hectares of residential land. In a letter from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage dated 20 February 2026 subject National Planning Framework (NPF) Implementation – Housing Growth Requirements, advice was given that realistic and deliverable residential density assumptions should be applied in accordance with the Guidelines for Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements (2024), with net densities generally comprising 65-80% of the gross area required for zoning purposes, i.e. the difference between lower gross zoned and higher net planning application densities should be accounted for. Table 1.10 sets out the estimated number of additional housing units to be provided based on 75% of the gross area zoned and an average density of 75 units per hectare. Table 1.10 Additional Residential Zones Lands Total Combined Housing Growth Requirement 2025-2034 Quantity of additional lands proposed for zoning (ha) Estimate of Housing Units 4,460 89 5,006* * Using an estimate of 75% of the gross zoned area and an average of 75 units per hectare 1.6 Employment Development The Guidance Note on Core Strategies (2010) indicate that the Core Strategy should involve an appropriate level of analysis that will ensure sufficient lands are identified for employment purposes at suitable locations taking proper account of national planning policies. The guidance document does not provide a method for determining an appropriate amount of zoned lands for employment purposes in the Plan. In view of the changing nature of work, new technologies and the large employment catchment of the city this projection of need by land area does not lend itself to precise scientific methodology. On a regional basis the NPF 2040 scenario targets a growth of an additional 115,000 people in employment in the Northern and Western Region. It is anticipated that Galway as a key regional employment base, located centrally along the Atlantic Economic Corridor will support many of these future jobs, providing employment for the targeted population for the Galway MASP and the significant employment catchment of the city. The Revised NPF 2025 updates employment targets and growth ambitions for the Northern and Western Region. On a regional basis the Revised NPF scenario targets continued strong employment growth in the Northern and Western Region. It is anticipated that Galway as a key regional employment base, located centrally along the

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