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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- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 37 Atlantic Economic Corridor, will support employment opportunities for the targeted population increase for the Galway MASP and the significant employment catchment of the city, in accordance with the updated national policy framework. The RSES in its Growth Ambition 1 – Economy and Employment recognises the ‘Galway Catchment’ and the continued focus of international and national traded, high value job investment in such urban areas. In addition the economy of Galway being diverse supports employment in education, tourism, commercial and healthcare services. The RSES also recognises the growing and emerging economies which are present in the city and region associated with the marine, culture and arts, gastronomy and sustainable energies. The MASP strategy for the city is to continue to support the employment growth at the strategically located enterprise lands within the city and environs and to focus on the potential for employment on the key Regeneration and Opportunity Sites within the city. This approach is reflected in Chapter 6 and Chapter 10 and the land use zoning map which sets out the main policies and objectives that support an environment that will encourage job creation. It is considered on review of the quantum of zoned lands, that the scale, nature, distribution and capacity of lands identified as supporting employment in the city and the MASP area of the county plan will be sufficient to meet the range of employment types and at locations that are integrated with the strategy for sustainable transport and co- ordinated with the settlement strategy also. In general the Core Strategy includes for new employment opportunities at the existing business and technology lands at Ballybrit, Mervue, Dangan and Knocknacarra. The potential for job creation at Ardaun is also part of the long term development of the city. The IDA lands within the city environs at Parkmore and Oranmore are also seen as having significant potential to accommodate future large, particularly FDI investment, in the greater MASP area. The major regeneration sites located in the city centre at Ceannt Station Quarter, Inner Harbour, Headford Road and Nun’s Island are of such a scale and nature that can satisfy the demand for additional commercial uses and office technology of both an international and indigenous nature. These locations can provide high quality, attractive, city centre locations adjacent to sustainable transport links while also delivering on their potential for high density, residential development. They offer a sequential solution to the expansion of the city centre, close to a major transportation hub, reinforcing the prime role of the city centre in both Galway City and the MASP area. Developments at construction and planning stages have already affirmed interest in these locations for employment and city living. Expanding the city in this direction not only responds to future enterprise floor space demand it also can, with good design enhance the image of the city, the tourism function and allow for an expansion to a scale commensurate with the designation of Galway as a NPF regional city. In addition to the large regeneration sites the significant scale of Industrial lands at Mervue, located close to the city centre, offer good opportunities for expansion through densification and re-organisation. These are complemented by the proximity of an opportunity site at Crown Square, a large scale adjacent office campus development under construction which shares a site with a consented large scale, high density housing scheme. Other smaller manufacturing enterprises located at Liosbán Industrial Estate and Tuam Road enterprise area are considered very important in particular for the indigenous economy, start-ups, small businesses and warehouse ventures. A significant element of employment in the city is concentrated on hospitals sites and educational campuses, in particular the third level institutions and also in other government services. Most of these large institutions have capacity for expansion on undeveloped campus lands, through intensification and re-development on their existing campus sites and/or buildings. The city centre area is the main focus of commercial activity. The adjacency of key regeneration sites at Ceannt Quarter, Inner Harbour and the Dyke/Headford Road area all offer opportunities for sequential expansion. As the city centre area is also targeted for improved public transport services and associated infrastructure, active travel mode measures and for transformative public realm projects these sites will benefit from this
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 38 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 investment which add to the attractiveness and liveability of this location. Notwithstanding the need for land and infrastructure to facilitate job creation, quality of life factors will also influence both skills attraction, skills retention and competitiveness of location. Implementation of the GTS measures, the Public Realm Strategy projects, policies on place making, protection of the built and natural heritage and provision for and delivery of education, community services and supporting amenities will be key also in enabling the RSES anticipated strategic employment growth for the City MASP area. Figure 1.5 Built-up footprint, Residential Zoning (undeveloped lands within red boundaries) and Regeneration and Opportunity Sites 1.7 Retail Strategy Retailing is a significant contributor to the commercial life of the city and an essential part of the economy and can give support in delivering sustainable settlement patterns. There is a requirement for the Core Strategy to contain information to show that in setting out objectives regarding retail development, the Planning Authority has had regard to Section 28 Retail Planning Guidelines (2012). This approach stresses the need to have proactive polices that can both safeguard existing retail floor space, particularly core retail areas that give vitality to place and community and also to give appropriate direction for expansion in floor space. The guidelines recommend a joint retail strategy be prepared for Galway City and County. In collaboration with Galway County Council the current strategy has generally pursued the agreed retail hierarchy in line with the settlement strategies for both Plans and in alignment with the synergies in the respective transport strategies. This will be supplemented by more rigorous analysis in 2023 when the retail sector reverts to more normal market conditions after the lifting of all Covid 19 pandemic restrictions and the ending of government supports. This will afford a more robust understanding of the impact of the disruption in the retail sector, triggered by globalisation, technology innovation and changing consumer sentiment which has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and which has also been impacted by Brexit and the ongoing supply chain challenges. In the interim the strategy affirms that Galway City Centre is the primary retail centre in
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 39 County Galway. In this regard the strategy objective is to promote and further develop the level of retail provision in the core retail area commensurate with that as envisaged to service the targeted growth and catchment for Galway, as the largest urban area in the region and one of four designated NPF regional cities and a significant tourism hub. The city centre includes a number of regeneration sites that can seamlessly link in with the existing primary and secondary shopping streets, support additional retailing with capacity for new formats and larger floorplates and sequential growth in the retail offer in the city. Within the city offering at level 3, four District Centres are located at existing suburban locations at Doughiska, Knocknacarra, Westside and provision is made for a District Centre at Ardaun where significant settlement is anticipated. At a lower tier, Neighbourhood Centres are identified as locations for daily top up shopping, which can be accessed easily within neighbourhoods. At the lowest tiers, provision is made to facilitate local shops preferably clustered with other neighbourhood services /amenities. Policies and objectives for all formats shows that there is sufficient support and opportunities for retailing in the city. These also give direction regarding the need for environmentally efficient design and high quality architecture. The accelerated change in retailing also means that there is a need to evolve from a location for product display and purchase to a location where customers can connect with brands and enjoy a more layered experience than just the physical store. Encouraging complementary mix of uses in shopping areas and implementation of proposed measures in the Public Realm Strategy will also give confidence for future investment and growth in the sector. The transport strategy for the city includes plans for high frequency bus routes that can access the existing and planned District Centres. The roll out of investment in the network of infrastructure to increase sustainable mobility will further improve links to District and Neighbourhood Centres, combined with measures to improve permeability. Encouraging and protecting provision at the lower tiers will also support the concept of a ‘15 minute city’ where the daily needs of communities can be accessed within a 15 minute walk, cycle or by public transport. 1.8 Supporting Strategic Policy Documentation 1.8.1 Environmental Strategy The Core Strategy has also been informed by the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and the Habitats Directive Assessment which have been undertaken in conjunction with the process of preparing the Plan. These have influenced the development growth option pursued in the Core Strategy and also where necessary enabled policies and objectives to be tailored to ensure the impacts on the environment, natural heritage and biodiversity have been reduced to ensure a balance between enabling future urban development of the city while protecting the environment and natural assets. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) provided broad guidance with respect to the assessment of flood risk which has consequently influenced strategic land use decisions with direction on location and type suitability. These form part of the plan and are detailed as supporting documents. 1.8.2 Climate Change Strategy Planning legislation contains a mandatory objective for development plans to address measures to reduce energy demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change adaptation. Taking this into consideration the Core Strategy has set out how the plan will promote this objective in particular with regard to achieving sustainable settlement and transport strategies. The balance of chapters outline the sectoral policies and objectives that need to be implemented to achieve such measures including for a need to transition to a low carbon climate resilient city. Chapter 2 draws all these policies and objectives together to give the overall strategy. This approach adds to the current Galway City Council Climate Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy 40 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 which will be further embellished by additional climate actions after the full implementation and guidance on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which includes for the preparation of specific Local Authority Climate Action Plans. 1.8.3 Galway Transport Strategy The GTS is a strategy by Galway City Council prepared in conjunction with Galway County Council, the NTA and TII. The aim of the strategy is to address current and future transport requirements in the City and County catchment area. It incudes for a range of measures that focus on an integrated and sustainable solution with a strong objective to reduce car dependency in favour of public transport and active modes. It is anticipated that many of the associated projects will be commenced during the currency of the plan period. In line with good planning principles this investment is aligned with the settlement and development strategy for the city. Chapter 4 gives more elaboration on the strategy and the Core Strategy Map gives visual representation of the main settlement and transport focus. 1.8.4 Public Realm Strategy The Galway Public Realm Strategy sets out a vision and strategy for improvements to guide future investment and development in the network of public and green spaces in the centre of the city. This vision builds on previous investments. In conjunction with the GTS it seeks to redress the balance in favour of pedestrians and cyclists over vehicular traffic and capitalise on this by creating a high quality public realm, upgrading the quality of the physical fabric, enhancing biodiversity and exploring opportunities to create new spaces. 1.8.5 Galway City Urban Density and Building Height Study (UDBHS) This study was commissioned in the context of reviewing the application of Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines to Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines (2018) to Galway City and to inform the Core Strategy. The study provides a coherent analysis of the existing spatial structure. It reviewed where the potential for intensification through increased densities and/or height could achieve the most efficient and effective use of land and make a positive contribution to the character of and liveability of the city and the need to accommodate the target increase in population sustainably. It gave consideration to the suitability and sensitivity of areas to change and the need to respect the unique built and natural heritage and character of the city. It focused on the opportunities afforded by investment in sustainable transport and the distribution of services and amenities as well as reviewing the emerging potential of the Regeneration and Opportunity Sites for a mix of uses. Critically it emphasised the need for any increase in densities to be framed in quality architecture and adherence to good urban design principles. 1.8.6 Local Economic Community Plan (LECP) Galway City The LECP focuses on identifying gaps and delivering positive step changes that will deliver the economic and social consolidation and enhancement of Galway City. The focus of the plan is on collaboration and inter-agency work, with an emphasis on clear and measurable actions that add value to the city. Annual action plans are prepared based on the strategic objectives and actions outlined in the LECP, that reflect this proposed added value. The preparation of the LECP is in line with the role assigned to Local Authorities as having a primary responsibility for leading economic, social and community development in the city. The purpose of the LECP, is to set out the objectives and actions needed to promote and support this economic development and the local and community development. It represents a shared plan for Galway City with the community element having been prepared by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the economic element having been prepared by the Local Authority, through the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC). The Core Strategy has taken cognisance of this plan and associated actions in both land use zoning and policy objectives and will endeavour to reflect the emerging action in the emerging new LECP.
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 41 1.9 Core Strategy Map and Core Strategy Table The Core Strategy Map in Figure 1.6 and Table 1.9 set out a land use strategy to enable the vision for Galway City to transition to a low carbon, climate resilient city lead by a strategy for compact growth, increased integration between land use and transportation, increased sustainable mobility opportunities and the sustainable use and management of environmental resources. The population targets for Galway City MASP area are distributed in three general directions. Firstly to grow and enhance the existing network of suburban neighborhoods through consolidation and appropriate levels of densification supported by measures to enhance physical, community and social infrastructure and place making. The designated Regeneration and Opportunity Sites are deemed critical to the delivery of a compact, livable city. These sites through regeneration, consolidation and delivery of a broad mix of uses can create new vibrant neighborhoods, supported by community infrastructure, new public spaces, an offer of choice in house types and tenures and demonstrate the advantages of sustainable urban living. Ardaun, an urban extension of the city, can in phase 1 support the Revised NPF and MASP target population and associated development for the plan period. Integrated in the plan with sustainable transport investment, proximate employment opportunities and community services this planned urban extension will provide for structured growth at an appropriate location. The approach being pursued has been prepared and informed by an infrastructure audit which is in accordance with the National Policy Objective 101 (formerly NPO 72(a)) of the Revised NPF differentiates between Tier 1 serviced lands and Tier 2 lands serviceable within the life span of the plan. Longer term strategic lands are also referenced that will require infrastructure which is not committed to as of yet and can be classified as “additional provision” and support the continued realisation of the longer term RSES population targets for 2040. While the NPF tiered approach does not include for community infrastructure this is acknowledged as key to supporting sustainable neighborhoods and is included for in more detail in Appendix 1. The Core Strategy Map as provided in Figure 1.6 shows alignment of settlement with transport, commercial and development centres. It reaffirms the rationale for land use zonings and site specific objectives as set out in the plan. It provides confidence with regard to the location of lands designated to meet the NPF/RSES growth targets within the city up to the end of 2028. It gives a clear direction to all stakeholders as to where more detailed planning and investment is required to deliver physical infrastructure, housing, transport, all the supporting neighbourhood services and amenities, employment and investment in urban design and place making at the local level. The associated Core Strategy Table highlights how the NPF/RSES/MASP population targets are distributed within the city area. This targeted growth is ambitious and if not met by 2029 ensures a capacity for a resilient and rational growth lead by a sustainable and compact growth agenda that can continue in the subsequent years.
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core StrategyDistrict Centre Bus Routes Regeneration and Opportunity Sites Business + Technology Park Hospitals University of Galway / ATU Neighbourhoods Local Area Plan City Centre Galway Merlin Park Galway Clinic Parkmore Business Park Briarhill Harbour Bon Secours UHG Core Strategy Salthill Shantalla Taylor’s Hill City Centre Terryland Newcastle Dangan Mionlach Ballinfoile Castlegar Ballybaan Ballybrit Doughiska Ardaun Mervue Renmore Murrough Knocknacarra Ballyburke Cappagh Rahoon Roscam Figure 1.6: Core Strategy Map Table 42 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core Strategy1.10 Implementation The success of the City Development Plan requires a continuous link from adoption to implementation and delivery. This requires that an implementation structure must be established to ensure that the Planning Authority maintains a continuous focus towards the implementation of the policies and objectives. This needs the plan to include for a methodology that affords measurable monitoring and analysis and a reporting structure that allows for a review of effectiveness over the six year cycle. This approach expands on the statutory requirement for a two year progress report. It reflects that development plans require that the myriad of functions within local authorities, relating to areas such as housing, amenities, transport, infrastructure servicing and economic development contribute to delivering on the vision for the city. It allows for a mechanism to facilitate efficient co-ordination and a proactive land management approach. It can facilitate direct engagement with other key stakeholders, including the community and investment interests, ultimately with the objective of timely decision making and exploration in innovative problem solving. With a focus on the monitoring of the Core Strategy and the Development Plan policies and objectives, a dynamic approach to delivery is more likely and this can enable a link to be established with the concurrent SEA monitoring requirements. Such an approach can link in more seamlessly with the RSES auditing and NPF target reviews. In this regard the Plan has included in Appendix 1 the structure and format that will be activated to provide for plan monitoring. 1.11 Masterplans and Framework Plans The major regeneration schemes in the city will have a significant impact on Galway’s growth, evolution and future character and success. All of the major Regeneration and Opportunity Sites will be required to be the subject of a masterplan/spatial framework plans. This will facilitate a clear strategy for development and set the context for the more detailed design elements relating to use, buildings, spaces and their interrelationship. To support the preparation of these frameworks for development details of the intended outcome, a vision for each site is included for in Chapter 10 and guidance principles are provided in Chapter 8 and the supporting document, the Urban Density and Building Height Study. For the Headford Road and Murrough area, Local Area Plans will be prepared in order to provide a more detailed strategy for these specific areas. This in particular is because they include for areas which require urban renewal, the Headford Road area and as in Murrough where they can provide for large scale planned recreational and amenity, including improved access to the coast for the eastern side of the city. The Local Area Plans for these areas will identify and analyse the various issues of relevance, before establishing and setting out principles for the future development of these areas. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 43
- Introduction, Strategic Context & Core StrategyPolicy 1.4 Core Strategy 1. Ensure that sufficient amount of lands are zoned and enabled to meet the demands for a diverse range of uses including housing, employment, services and amenity needs over the lifetime of the plan. 2. Support a just transition to a greener, low carbon and climate resilient city and integrate climate mitigation and adaptation measures in all plans and projects. 3. Support the compact growth of Galway City through appropriate policies that promote co-ordination between land use and locations that can be served by public transport and the walking and cycling networks and enables the delivery of 50% of all new homes within the existing built footprint on lands as set out in the Core Strategy. 4. Support the compact growth of the city by promoting development on designated Regeneration and Opportunity Sites, by the re-development of brownfield and underutilised lands and through encouraging the reuse and adaptation of the existing building stock. 5. Implement a strategy for settlement that includes for housing on key Regeneration and Opportunity Sites in the city centre, at Ardaun a designated strategic long term growth area and through consolidation and infill on the balance of suitable lands within the city. 6. Encourage new neighbourhoods and the consolidation of existing neighbourhoods to develop as sustainable, attractive, well- connected neighbourhoods at appropriate densities, with a high quality of design of buildings and spaces, supported by services, amenities and local enterprises. 7. Support the local community goals of the LECP to reduce poverty and alleviate disadvantage in the city by proactively promoting all forms of social inclusion, accessibility in the built environment and public realm, housing, community facilities, employment opportunities, and transport. 8. Ensure that the future growth of the city is undertaken in a manner that strikes a balance between enabling development and protection of the environment and the built and natural assets of the city. 9. Collaborate with government departments, agencies and key stakeholders to assist in the delivery of enabling infrastructure, amenities and community facilities to facilitate compact growth, sustainable neighbourhoods and place making. 10. Require the preparation of Local Area Plans, Masterplans and Spatial Frameworks for those areas which are experiencing and/or likely to experience large scale development or regeneration. 11. Adopt an active land management approach through enhanced co-ordination with relevant stakeholders and infrastructure providers in the delivery of enabling infrastructure to support implementation of the Core Strategy. 12. Review proposals for Ardaun to ensure consistency with the Core Strategy and policies and objectives of the 2023-29 Development Plan. 13. Establish a Core Strategy Monitoring framework to measure planning outcomes and evaluate the policy objectives of the City Development Plan. 14. Support the implementation of the SEA Directive, the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, EIA Directive and Water Framework Directive and appropriate supporting legislation and guidelines. 44 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Climate ActionGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 43 Climate Action22.1 Context 2.2 Climate Change International and European Context 2.3 Planning & Sustainability – Achieving Sustainable Planning Outcomes 2.4 Integrating Climate Action into the City Development Plan 46 49 56 61
- Climate Action2.1 Context Climate change is the most significant challenge of our time. The cause can be attributed to a growth in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activity. The effect of this is leading to an increase in global mean air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme weather events. The impact of climate change will not be experienced equally and will likely have a disproportionate effect on marginalised communities who do not have the resources to adapt or mitigate the impact of climate change. This coupled with the process of decarbonisation will impact on certain livelihoods and sectors and risk exacerbating inequality. The concept of climate justice is imbedded in national and international climate policy and is defined as ‘safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable people and sharing the burdens and benefits arising from climate change and its impacts equitably and fairly’. In order to facilitate a just transition globally, Ireland, and other developed nations, will need to both decarbonise locally and support climate action in developing countries. Analysis of observational data shows that Ireland’s climate is changing, at a scale and rate consistent with regional and global trends including an increase in extreme weather events and temperatures across all seasons. These changes are predicted to continue and intensify with wide ranging consequences for all aspects of life in Ireland. In order to combat climate change, action is required to be taken now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing climatic conditions and to transition to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society. In 2019 Ireland became the second country in the world to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency. Since then legislation has been introduced which commits Ireland to becoming carbon neutral by no later than 2050 in line with international commitments. This is now a legally binding target for the country and is in line with EU policy on climate action. To achieve these ambitious targets the government have indicated that a cross sectoral approach will be required as well as the support and cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders. 46 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
Source Galway City Council: Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029 (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.