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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- Housing and Sustainable Neighbourhoods Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 87 There are opportunities in the city centre to create new neighbourhoods and to expand and support existing communities. The redevelopment opportunities of the designated regeneration sites at Ceannt Quarter and the Inner Harbour area offer potential for large scale development, bringing new life and footfall to the area and increasing housing supply close to the city centre. Other identified regenerations sites in the city centre at Eyre Square East and the Nuns Island Masterplan area have scope to expand existing communities at these locations while taking account of sensitivities such as the historic context and existing residential amenity. Communities such as Henry Street, Bowling Green, Long Walk and Woodquay contribute significantly to the vitality and liveability of the city core. These residential communities experience residual pressure by virtue of their location. To date Development Plan policies have endeavoured to protect them as resilient neighbourhoods. Opportunities for population growth in these residential areas are limited and any new development will be required to respect the existing character of these neighbourhoods in terms of density and building height. It is recognised also that certain city residential areas have experienced a reduction in residential amenity due to the impacts of adjacent city centre development. The implementation of the Public Realm Strategy (PRS) and the GTS and specific projects funded under the URDF will support improvements in city centre areas creating healthier spaces, encouraging social interaction and local community events, supporting active travel and improved air quality through reduced car use on local streets. Other strategic projects such as the Corrib go Cósta Galway Flood Relief Scheme will ensure neighbourhoods, in particular the Long Walk, are resilient to the impacts of climate change. There are also opportunities to implement greening measures through the development of parklets and micro spaces supporting SuDs and greater biodiversity. Amenity improvements in the green network and along the canals and waterways will also enhance these areas. To support an increased city centre population, the Council will continue to ensure that residential is embedded in the use mix of schemes in order to enliven streets, increase potential for passive surveillance of the public realm and add life and vitality to the city centre. Exceptions to this may be made based on the limited scale of a site and it redevelopment opportunity. Within the city core, there is also scope for reuse/adaption of existing building stock for residential use, in particular the use of vacant upper floors of city centre shops and commercial premises. The Council will encourage the refurbishment of older buildings, bringing unused or underused buildings into residential use supporting both an increased population and also maintaining the built heritage of the city centre. Any such proposals will be required to respect the architectural and historic character of such buildings, in particular with respect to protected structures and buildings located within a designated ACA. The Council will continue to support initiatives such as the Living City Initiative which encourages refurbishment of older buildings for owner occupation in certain areas of the city centre. Policy 3.7 City Centre Residential Areas 1. Prioritise the provision of new homes on designated Regeneration and Opportunity Sites in the city centre at appropriate scales to enable the development of new sustainable city centre communities. 2. Protect and enhance established city centre residential communities by discouraging encroachment from commercial development and unacceptable infill developments. 3. Enhance city centre residential areas through implementation of environmental improvement schemes and improvements to the public realm, including, where appropriate, homezones and recreational facilities in conjunction with local residents. 4. Encourage the expansion of the city centre residential community by requiring a residential content in new development proposals. 5. Consider the redevelopment of the City Council car park at Bowling Green to meet social and/or affordable housing needs.
- Housing and Sustainable Neighbourhoods 88 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Ensure assessment of any developments complies with Policy 5.2 in relation to the protection of sites of European, National, and Local Ecological Importance. 2. Facilitate sustainable infill but only where such development can be provided having regard to any environmental vulnerability, services capacities, and where development can be assimilated satisfactorily through design, layout and amenity impact in a manner that does not detract from the character of the area. 1. Policy 3.8 Residential 2 (R2) Areas Residential 2 (R2) Areas Residential 2 (R2) areas are areas generally on the periphery of the city with legacies of clustered patterns of low density development, which evolved over time from historic, more dispersed forms of settlement owing to deficiencies in service provision, deficiencies in the road network and also due to environmental, visual and built heritage sensitivities. Many of these can be considered as having a defined character, sensitive environments from an historical, architectural, archaeological and or natural heritage perspective. Although they don’t reflect the best form of sustainable development, having evolved over time and prior to current national and regional policy direction, they still have potential within their nodal settings for sensitive infill and consolidation that can contribute somewhat to compact growth. This will be determined by the planning authority on relevant suitable sites, subject to full assessment, where the impact on the environmental and visual sensitivities in the area, including those in particular the subject of Policy 5.2 are an integral part of any assessment for suitability. Village Envelopes/Areas Galway has retained a number of village settlements within the city. These are Menlough, Castlegar, Coolagh-Briarhill and Coolagh-Menlough. These villages have a historic pattern of development and have opportunities for sensitive infill development. It is Council policy to allow housing and limited local services or community facilities where they contribute to enhancing the area’s character. Menlough village and environs has a distinct character, informed by its location on the Corrib, historical pattern of development and vernacular buildings. The area has a significant natural environment including the Lough Corrib cSAC and SPA and Menlough Woods. The area has a rich built heritage which includes a ‘clachan’ settlement pattern and contains a number of thatched cottages which are protected structures. Menlough Castle is adjacent to the village and in conjunction with adjoining lands has potential for use for recreation and amenity purposes.
- Housing and Sustainable Neighbourhoods Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 89 Prepare a co-ordinated plan for areas of the city which have potential for mews housing development in consultation with local residents. 1. Policy 3.10 Mews Housing Development While the area still maintains a distinctive character it has potential for an increase in amenity and recreation facilities making it a valuable resource for the city. Its location adjacent to the Corrib and within walking and cycling distance of the city centre gives huge potential for the development of greenway and blueway networks to facilitate active travel. Potential also exists for community facilities, for limited local services serving the area and for improvements to the built environment through conservation and high quality new development. In recognition of this the Council will carry out, in conjunction with local residents, a plan which will have the aim to conserve and improve the distinctive quality of Menlough and explore the potential of the facilities of the area as a major asset to the city. The consolidation of the existing residential community of Bothar an Coiste with the undeveloped residential zoned lands at Castlegar and commercial and residential zoned lands along the Tuam Road will provide opportunities to strengthen the identity of Castlegar as a neighbourhood. In this regard, the Council will carry out in conjunction with the local community, a plan for the area which will focus on objectives to enhance neighbourhood activity, build on the existing assets of the community and to protect and enhance the existing character and amenity of Castlegar. The plan will consider and prioritise improved linkages, improved pedestrian, cycle and traffic movement, heritage enhancement, opportunities to enhance the green network and biodiversity, development of amenities and community facilities and design and layout of new development. The plan will take cognisance of strategic objectives in the area. Policy 3.9 Village Envelopes/Areas 1. Strengthen the character of specified villages through encouraging appropriate development. Vehicular access to Coolagh-Briarhill village shall be limited to the existing road access only. The objective for a proposed cycle network link from this road is indicative and an alternative alignment outside the village envelope is preferable. 2. Protect and enhance the character and amenity of Menlough and prepare a plan for the area, which will include for flood mitigation measures. 3. Reinforce the identity of Castlegar through protection and enhancement of existing amenities and through provision of additional community facilities. Mews Housing Development Mews development contributes to efficient use of land and supports a compact urban form. Within the city there are limited opportunities for the development of mews housing. The development of mews housing must be designed in a co-ordinated manner and can only be achieved where there is no impact on existing residential amenity. The Council will examine certain areas of the city for potential for this type of development. Such development will not be permitted in advance of a co-ordinated plan for those areas which have potential for mews housing. Certain criteria must be adhered to and the development must have regard to the existing built form, the character of the area, the impact on residential amenity and must satisfy standards for access, open space and parking where applicable.
- Housing and Sustainable Neighbourhoods 90 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 3.9 Specific Objectives Specific Objectives 1. Prepare an environmental improvement scheme for the Mervue residential area that reflects good practice in urban design and includes for green infrastructure measures. 2. Prepare environmental improvement schemes for Claddagh, Shantalla and Bohermore residential areas that reflects good practice in urban design and includes for green infrastructure measures. 3. Prepare a regeneration plan for the open space areas of Ballybaan that reflects good practice in open space and urban design and includes for green infrastructure measures. 4. Review and update the draft regeneration plan for Ballinfoile Park entitled ‘A Better Ballinfoile’ and implement actions where feasible and subject to funding. 5. Develop best practice advice and guidelines for the design of homezones. 6. Review guidance in conjunction with Recreational and Amenity and Environment Section on open space design, hard and soft landscaping, recreational facilities and biodiversity enrichment. 7. Prepare a plan for the Menlough area. This will include guidance on new design and conservation and will explore the amenity potential of the area. 8. Prepare a plan for the Castlegar area in consultation with local residents taking cognisance of strategic proposals in the immediate area. 9. Support and consider the development of recreational and amenity facilities including playing pitches on lands located in Mincloon north of Rahoon Road in the ownership of Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Club.
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationGalway City Development Plan 2023-2029 89 Sustainable Mobility and Transportation44.1 Context 92 4.2 Land Use and Transportation 96 4.3 Public Transport 98 4.4 Sustainable Mobility - Walk and Cycle 103 4.5 Transport Demand Management Measures 109 4.6 Road and Street Network 113 4.7 Galway Port 117 4.8 Specific Objectives 118
- Sustainable Mobility and Transportation4.1 Context Travel demands for Galway City are increasing in conjunction with population growth and will continue to do so over the lifetime of this Plan. Improvements to the transportation network will be essential if Galway is to become a sustainable, compact and connected city in line with national and regional policy direction. At a regional level, Galway is the only identified city of scale in the Northern-Western Region and is also the key driver of the economy for the region. The city transport network is pivotal in serving the inter-urban and inter-regional connectivity for its broad catchment area. The network also supports a high volume of commuters into the city on an average weekday numbering in excess of 30,000 vehicles (15,000 each way) entering and leaving the city. In light of this volume of traffic and the expected additional growth, which will without intervention perpetuate the current unsustainable patterns, there is an urgency to re-think the way we move to help ease congestion in and around the city and to reduce carbon emission levels. The Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) is the transport plan that aims to establish a more sustainable approach to address current and future transport requirements and underpins the future growth of the city. The policy approach in this plan supports the measures in the GTS and includes for the strengthening of links between land use and transportation planning. It also focuses on reducing car dependency and supports a transition towards increased use of more sustainable active modes and public transport. This will require investment in walking and cycling, an improved and more accessible public transport system supported by low emission infrastructure, to address transport challenges in the city and accord with national, regional and local policies. Enhanced walking and cycling facilities will be promoted through greater permeability and increased networks, making these travel modes more attractive, accessible, safe, and healthier travel options. A transition to use of these active modes and public transport will also have significant potential to improve air quality, the urban environment, the economic performance of the city and the overall quality of life in the city. National and Regional Policy The National Planning Framework (NPF) identifies that sustainable mobility and compact development are necessary to achieve the ambitious growth targets provided for in the NPF. In this regard land use and spatial planning sets out the overarching policy direction which emphasises the importance of aligning land use and transportation to achieve more compact development. This will encourage more sustainable patterns of travel in tandem with the targets to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society. The NPF specifically addresses the legacy of growth challenges for Galway in transport, mobility and urban quality. It also acknowledges that the Galway Metropolitan Area shares many of these challenges arising from growth and economic success with much larger cities. The challenge for Galway is that it needs to accommodate a greater proportion of the growth it generates within the metropolitan boundaries. The NPF is supported by the national investment strategy of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly area (NWRA). The NDP sets out investment priorities to deliver on the goals of the NPF. The NDP recognises Galway City’s key role as a designated Regional City and driver for investment and identifies key infrastructure projects which can support and enhance Galway’s role. To support this role, the NDP identifies key investment for a number of projects, including Transport Projects. The recent review of the NDP, 2021-2030 endorses a cleaner, greener, connected Ireland with a pledge to cut emissions in half by 2030. This plan has committed the biggest investment in transport in the history of the state with 35 billion over the decade provided in an effort to transform how we travel. This plan provides for a 2:1 spending ratio on sustainable transport measures, meaning that for every euro invested in new road infrastructure, twice as much will be invested in new public transport and in walking and cycling infrastructure. 92 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationSustainable Mobility The sectoral policy documents which were published in 2009 - Smarter Travel - A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020 and the National Cycle Policy Framework have been the overarching policy guiding smarter and sustainable transport development in Ireland. They aimed at reducing private car use, ensuring alternatives to the private car were available and improved fuel efficiency as well as initiatives to create a culture of cycling and walking in Ireland. These national policy documents which promoted sustainable travel modes are in the process of being succeeded by a new National Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework. The review of these policies aligns with the policy in the NPF and in particular supports the National Strategic Objectives (NSOs) which is shifting the momentum of transport policy to support climate action and sustainable mobility. The aim is to develop a new policy framework that better supports sustainable mobility and adopts a more people centric approach, reviewing all aspects of Active Travel and Public Transport Policy. The policy is centred on three overarching principles. The first of these is Safe and Green Mobility, which will set out an ambitious and comprehensive set of actions for the decarbonisation of public transport. The second is People Focused Mobility, which focuses on how to make sustainable mobility options accessible to everyone, particularly people with reduced mobility. The third principle is Better Integrated Mobility, which looks at better integrated sustainable transport and land-use planning as well as examining smart transport solutions. Climate Action The National Climate Action Plan (2019) indicates that transport accounts for almost one fifth of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Commitments to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% over this decade and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 were set out in the Programme for Government and in climate legislation. The associated actions that enable the achievement of these targets is set out in an updated Climate Action Plan and will be supplemented by further updated annual action plans. There is significant potential for the Council to contribute to meet reduced emission requirements through modal shifts to walking, cycling and public transport, supporting the build-out of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, conversion of the public fleet to EVs, and use of biofuels, which are some of the main measures being promoted by the Action Plan to achieve these targets in the transport sector. Decarbonisation of road transport will be critical in achieving the ambitious emission reduction targets of 42-50 percent for transport by 2030 (from 2018) as provided for in the National Climate Action Plan 2021. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 93
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationRSES The RSES for the Northern and Western region was adopted in January 2020 and also includes the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) for Galway. This MASP sets a coordinated framework for planning and investment in Galway City and its environs. The RSES recognises the strategic importance of Galway City being a connected city and a strategic link for the region. The social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Galway City and the Northern and Western Region is dependent on transport and infrastructure investment in order to improve accessibility and connectivity to the County and areas beyond. The RSES identifies transport investment priorities in accordance with the NDP investment commitments to bring a number of key enabling schemes to delivery in the Region by 2027 and includes the N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR). The RSES also highlights the importance of Galway Port as a Port of regional significance, the Western Rail Corridor as a rail project with strategic importance and supports the development of a Strategy for the electrification of the rail network. It endorses greenway and blueway projects as a priority across the region and highlights the importance of walking and cycling in facilitating a modal shift to more sustainable transport options, promoting healthier lifestyles, better traffic management and assisting in mitigating climate change. MASP The Galway MASP recommends the integration of land use and transport planning and performs a critical role in enabling the requirements of an expanded Metropolitan Area to be met in a sustainable manner. The projected population growth identified for Galway MASP will bring challenges for the provision of supporting infrastructure and services, including for transport. This plan endorses the implementation of the measures contained in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) with the key transportation components for the MASP considered central to addressing the traffic congestion and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions to achieve change. The main transportation components in the MASP includes the N6 GCCR which is stated as a key priority for the Metropolitan Area that will support the economic and social development of the region and improve connectivity and accessibility to the city and areas west of the city. Other significant transportation components include the development of public bus transport, cycle networks and walking improvements for pedestrians, focusing on connectivity and permeability. Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) The GTS, 2016-2036 represented a partnership approach between Galway City Council, the County Council, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The City Council adopted this long-term transport strategy with the purpose of developing a strategy for Galway City and Environs. This is the Strategy for which all transport investment is coming from and will be informed. The approach of the GTS is to deliver significant improvements to active travel and to deliver a high quality public transport network for Galway to support the city’s growth by encouraging the use of other sustainable modes of transport, and facilitate the efficient movement of private vehicles and freight. The Strategy identifies key transport proposals and interventions to provide a framework for phased implementation of the plan-led approach to transportation to facilitate Galway with an opportunity to grow both physically and economically. The GTS also includes for traffic management measures, giving priority to walking, cycling and bus movements, modifications to the traffic network, management of parking activities and heavy goods vehicles, improvements to the public realm and use of ‘smarter mobility’. 94 Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationThe GTS addresses current and future transport requirements and sets out an overview of the proposed actions and measures for implementation, covering infrastructural, operational and policy elements to address the current transport inefficiencies. The GTS is recognised within the NPF as key to achieving the target of 50% population growth within the Metropolitan Area by 2040 in facilitating the delivery of compact growth and sustainable transport in the Galway MASP area. The core of the strategy is built around a ‘Cross-City Link,’ which provides a safe, coherent and attractive route through the city centre restricted to public transport, pedestrians, cyclists, and some local access. The strategy also supports a defined ‘City Centre Access Network’ for private car journeys and HGVs that require access to the city centre to reduce congestion, and the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCCR) which will re-route journeys, removing non-essential motorised traffic from the city centre. The planned N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR) is a strategic project that is also identified in the NPF, NDP, RSES and MASP. This orbital route is a key project in the transport strategy for the city that will support journeys that are not always convenient by non-car modes. Other transport measures will also be progressed that will enable an efficient and reliable public transport service to provide access into and through the city centre creating an enhanced environment for walking and cycling. The delivery of the GTS is currently underway with a focus on providing infrastructure to support walking, cycling and public transport to meet the current needs of the city. Design work has commenced on the bus routes as part of the BusConnects with a decision on the consent for the Cross City Link expected in 2023. Implementation of the Galway Cycle Network including greenways, primary, secondary and feeder routes is also at design stage. URDF funding received for Transport Connectivity Projects in 2021, included for the Galway City Cycle Network and the Clifden Railway and Pedestrian Bridge, which on implementation of these projects will achieve the overall aim of delivering a safe, cohesive city cycle network and pedestrian facilities as prescribed in the GTS. This Development Plan will continue to progress a sustainable transport solution for the city and identify how it is intended to deliver and build upon the work of the GTS, while continuing to support the measures set out in the GTS. A planned evidenced based review of the GTS is due to be completed in 2023 in collaboration with Galway County Council, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and all other stakeholders. This process will include for public consultation, which will consider all transport modes including the feasibility of a very light rail/light rail option and will not preclude the advancement of the Cross City Link route or the planning of other projects already commenced within the Galway Transportation Strategy to planning consent stage. The implementation of the GTS is being supported through service delivery plans funded predominately by the NTA and TII. While the implementation of various measures has made some improvements to the transport network, serious traffic congestion still prevails, impacting the quality of life, the economy of the city and the regional role of Galway. The GTS is in its sixth year of a 20-year plan and while still in its infancy, the projects and objectives in this plan remain relevant for Galway City over the lifetime of this plan, with various implementation timeframes set out as short, medium and long term for the projects. Implementation to achieve the measures set out in the GTS will be ongoing to improve transport conditions and journey choices for all in Galway. Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 95
- Sustainable Mobility and TransportationPolicy 4.1 General 1. Develop a compact city, where sustainable land use and transportation are integrated and where there is choice and accessibility to a range of transport modes, with increasing support for a shift to more sustainable modes in line with national aims on climate action and where safety and ease of movement is provided to and within the City and onward to the wider area of the MASP, County Galway and the Northern and Western Region. 2. Align with the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF and the regional policy objectives of the RSES in the promotion of sustainable patterns of transport and in the support for the delivery of key transport infrastructure that will enable development to take place in accordance with the Core Strategy. 3. Support the implementation of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) which will advance the delivery and modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport and also enable planned integration of land use and transport within the city and the greater MASP area in consultation with Galway County Council, NTA and TII and service providers. 4. Support the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and the associated implementation programme which will deliver a high quality public transport network, provide and encourage the use of other sustainable modes of transport, and facilitate the efficient movement of private vehicles and freight. 5. Support the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) and the outcomes of the planned evidenced based review to be carried out in collaboration with Galway County Council, the NTA ‘and other stakeholders’. This review will consider all transport modes including the feasibility of a very light rail/light rail option and will not preclude the advancement of the Cross City Link route or the planning of other projects already commenced within the Galway Transportation Strategy to planning consent stage with Galway County Council and the NTA. This review will consider all transport modes including the feasibility of a light rail option and will not preclude the advancement of the Cross City Link route to planning consent stage. 6. Continue to progress a sustainable transport solution for the city through the implementation of measures included in the GTS and required supporting projects in particular the N6 GCRR project. 4.2 Land Use and Transportation The integration of land use and transportation is essential in creating a sustainable city. The alignment of settlement and land use patterns with an integrated transportation strategy can provide opportunities to reduce car dependency and allow for greater investment in alternative means of travel including public transport, walking and cycling. It also delivers considerable benefits in terms of reducing congestion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced well-being and has benefits for the public realm. The consolidation of development allows for the effective provision of services enabling more sustainable patterns of travel. Embedded in this approach is the need for sustainable densities in all developments and emphasis on regeneration and brownfield sites. Adopting these principles will guide strategic investment decisions and align with national targets on climate action. Historically, residential development in the city suburbs, similar to national development trends have traditionally consisted of lower density development and separation of employment areas relative to residential areas, which has led to a prevailing pattern of cardominated movement in and around the city. The current focus is to rethink this pattern and create compact cities and focus more on integrating land use and transportation to offset these issues. 96 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.