Regional strategy (RSES) · Northern and Western Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032
The regional strategy for the Northern and Western Region, including the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
Northern and Western Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 320 pages
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- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanCREATIVE/CULTURE SECTOR Culture and creativity is at the heart of life in Galway City and it has a global reputation as the home of Druid Theatre Company, Galway International Arts Festival and Macnas. There is also a vibrant community arts sector that gives a strong cultural identity to the city and the county. The strength and potential of the creative sector is evidenced in particular by designations such as the UNESCO City of Film and European Capital of Culture 2020. There is considerable scope for the establishment of the metropolitan area as a hub for the Creative and Cultural Industries, building on the distinctive culture and creative legacy in Galway. The development of film, media and entertainment, design and craft has the potential to add significant value to the overall economy and strengthen the identity of the MASP area. A significant area of the MASP has Gaeltacht status - parts of the city, Bearna and Baile Chláir - and Galway is a bilingual city and is a service centre for the Connemara Gaeltacht. The use of the Irish language is part of everyday life in Galway and the drive to achieve official status for the City as ‘Bilingual Capital of Ireland’ reflects the strong Gaeltacht culture and identity within the City. The culture strategy for the city ‘Everybody Matters the Culture Strategy Framework for Galway 2016 – 2025’ sets out the type of investment required (both capital and operational) to provide the infrastructure needed to improve the creative and cultural sector to meet the identified needs of the city and county.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 61 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanSTRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE CONNECTED CITY Inter-urban and inter-regional connectivity has progressed in recent years. The completion of the M6 motorway considerably reduced travel times from Dublin to Galway and has made the City more accessible nationally. The completion of the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam motorway has significantly reduced travel time to Shannon Airport and has made considerable time savings between the City and IWAK. It also adds to the accessibility of the City and improved strategic linkage within the whole region. The objective within the lifetime of the MASP is to continue to improve the road network around the city and in particular to support the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) including the N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR). Galway city has a significant commuter population. This reflects the important regional economic role of the City and demonstrates that people are willing to travel long distances to access education and employment in the City owing to the quality and range of job opportunities. It also indicates the synergies that exist between the City and its hinterland. However, commuter travel patterns indicate a heavy dependence on car usage, in particular travel to work and school trips. These patterns give rise to significant congestion on the road network particularly during peak times which negatively impacts on the economy and the experience of the urban environment. GALWAY TRANSPORT STRATEGY (GTS) AND CITY CENTRE TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCTMP) Within the Metropolitan Area, the promotion of integration of land use and transportation is reflected across all plans and strategies, including in particular the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) which is a joint Galway City Council and County Council 20 year strategy prepared in partnership with the National Transport Authority. The GTS supports opportunities that will reduce congestion and car dependency through increased capacity of reliable and sustainable public transport and the promotion and facilitation of cycling and walking, which in turn promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy includes traffic management, 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’. As part of the GTS a detailed, City Centre Transport Management Plan is being prepared and will provide for the implementation of a city centre access network with measures for bus priority routes, bus-only routes, cycling and pedestrian links through and within the city centre with opportunities for the enhanced public realm. The development of park and ride facilities on the approaches to the city is an important part of improved connectivity.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 62 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanKey Transportation Components for MASP 1. N6 GCRR g The provision of a new N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR) represents a key priority for the metropolitan area. This road is classified as part of the TEN-T road network in Ireland functioning in accordance with the European Unions (EU) TEN-T transport policy, which aims to create connectivity between regions, remove bottlenecks that hamper access to markets and promotes a sustainable multimodal network. g The N6 GCRR will support the economic and social development of the region and improve connectivity and accessibility to the city and areas west of the city. It also will focus on supporting trips that cannot be facilitated by measures such as city-bound, cross-city and cross county movements. This will relieve congestion in the city and, in turn, improve the quality of the city environment and increase opportunities for reallocation of existing road space for sustainable transportation. 2. PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT g Development of a cross-city network of bus services which can serve the major trip attractors with five core bus routes to provide a minimum 15-minute frequency service during the peak periods and sustain a high-frequency service throughout the day. g Provision of the Tuam Road Bus Corridor and Dublin Road Bus Corridor. 3. CYCLE NETWORK g Provision of a core, secondary and feeder cycle network which includes segregated cycle routes, on-road cycle lanes and /or wide bus lanes to cater for both buses and cyclists along the same route. g Provision of a primary network of cycle routes comprising of two greenways connecting into the county settlements – the Oranmore to the City Centre and onwards to Bearna Greenway and City Centre to Oughterard Greenway. g Provision of additional primary routes including cross-city routes to the north of the city and some key north-south links. g Develop a secondary cycle network that will comprise connections from residential areas and areas of employment to the primary network accessing key destinations. 4. WALKING g Provision of measures to reduce traffic volumes in the city centre core, additional pedestrianisation and pedestrian priority, improvement of pedestrian facilities, in particular safe crossings, improvements to the public realm and use of universal design. g Provision of new river crossings - a new bridge adjacent to the Salmon Weir Bridge, a new link from the Headford Road area to NUIG campus via a bridge on the piers of the old rail line and a new crossing linking Newtownsmyth with Gaol Road. g Improvements to permeability within suburban residential areas, improving the pedestrian networks and increasing connectivity and permeability within and to places of employment, in particular, the business and technology parks on the east side of the city at Parkmore and Ballybrit.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 63 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan5. PARK AND RIDE g Provide for Park and ride facilities on the periphery of the city linked in with the bus network to reduce the amount of commuter traffic entering into the city. 6. RAIL g The City is a significant rail destination with direct intercity services to Dublin via Athlone and to Limerick via Ennis. It also provides a valuable commuter service to towns such as Ballinasloe, Athenry, Craughwell and Oranmore. It is envisaged that the long term redevelopment of Ceannt Station Quarter as a new major multimodal transport interchange will involve rail services expanding in frequency where there is sufficient passenger demand and usage. g The potential for double tracking of the railway line from the City to Athlone, or a more limited accommodation of stopping bays and the provision of a rail freight service from Galway harbour are also strategic projects that will enhance accessibility and connectivity in the region to 2040. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.6.7 The Assembly supports the delivery of the infrastructure projects outlined below to develop the MASP: g Galway City Ring Road (S) g Galway Transport Strategy (S/M/L) RPO 3.6.8 The Assembly will support the concept of reverse commuting to encourage the increased and efficient use of resources particularly public transport. The increased use of public transport will become a feature of living in a low carbon society. Reverse commuting will be a practical manifestation of efficient use of public services and can simultaneously reduce congestion in overcrowded areas and bring much-needed vitality to areas with unused capacity. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 3.6.9 The Assembly supports the provision of a dual railway track between Galway and Athlone (M/L). The prioritisation of individual projects which comprise the GTS will emerge during the lifetime of the RSES and can be included in the relevant statutory plans as timelines become definite. The delivery of these projects because of their nature and extent include many individual public realm works.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 64 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanFigure 22: Galway – Core Bus Routes Figure 23: Galway – Proposed Cycle RoutesNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 65 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanHEALTH AND WELLBEING Galway City is a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network since 2006. The Galway Healthy Cities Project recognises the tangible benefits to health that come from living in a good quality and clean environment and ensures that health and well being is incorporated into the policy framework of local agencies in the City. Other initiatives in the City which include Child Friendly City, Age Friendly Galway and the Sports Partnership all have enhanced health and well being as primary goals. The designation of Galway as European Green Leaf City 2017 also reflects the quality of the environment in the City and these initiatives are to be supported. HEALTH A significant element of employment in the city is concentrated in hospitals. Galway is a centre for regional health care services for the whole region with Galway University Hospitals (Merlin and UHG) providing a secondary, regional and supraregional service in respect of cardiology and cancer services. They are also one of eight major academic teaching hospitals in Ireland. The Bon Secours and the Galway Clinic are also important private health care providers. The capacity for hospital expansion through intensification and re-development of their existing sites and/or buildings needs to be supported. There are sufficient undeveloped lands in the Merlin Park Campus with the potential to deliver a 21st Century facility to serve the MASP and increased population planned for the region. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.6.10 Support the provision of Childcare, Education and Health Services within the same timeframes as the residential and employment uses outlined above. RPO 3.6.11 It is an objective of the Assembly to support the delivery of an enhanced regional healthcare service, including a modern hospital at Merlin Park that will serve the Metropolitan Area and its catchment (M/L).Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 66 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanEDUCATION Within the city, there are 31 primary schools, 12 second-level schools and three third-level colleges and there are also several private colleges and language schools. In recent years, four new schools and several extensions to existing schools have been accommodated. These schools serve wide catchments well beyond the city boundary and even beyond the MASP area which has an impact for commuting and travel into the city. Policy to support the improvement and expansion of the educational sector in the city recognises the significant city, regional and national role played by this sector. Within the MASP there are currently zoned lands that are suitable for additional new schools where required. To accommodate emerging populations on the east of the city, lands are available at Ardaun to accommodate schools. The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) are huge assets to the city, with the latter having the potential to develop as a Technological University as part of the Connacht /Ulster Alliance. They add significant value to Galway in terms of being a significant employer, playing a major role in education provision and through the development of a knowledge economy. Both NUIG and GMIT have collaborative research and training roles with industry which is supported also by national investment research programmes such as REMEDI and GMedTech. Research competencies have been growing particularly in the life sciences area in NUIG and also in the medical technologies research group at GMIT. Having third-level institutions of such calibre in Galway is a key factor for companies choosing to locate in Galway as they have access to a very highly educated and skilled workforce. They are also responsive to the research demands of the industry. The presence of a third-level student population of over 24,000 is also a significant contributor to the local economy and adds to the vibrancy of diversity of the City and this needs to be built upon. The objective below is to support the continued expansion of all city education facilities in particular third-level institutions engaged in fostering the innovative knowledge-based economy of the region REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 3.6.12 The Assembly supports the designation of a technological University in the region which will be partially located in Galway; to complement existing third-level educational facilities and to foster the innovative knowledge-based economy of the region. The delivery of other projects in this and the following subsection will be desirable and will improve the quality of living in the city. Their completion will complement the health and education projects specifically identified.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 67 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanGREEN NETWORK The Metropolitan Area also has a rich diversity of natural resources including Galway Bay and an extensive coastline, woodlands such as Merlin Park, Bearna Woods and Terryland Forest Park and waterways such as the River Corrib and the canals. The City Council’s Recreation and Amenity Needs Study (RANS) 2008 provides a coordinated framework for future planning and management of recreation facilities and activities within the city. Galway, through the extent and protections offered to its Green Network, fits well as a Natural Place (Urban) with the Growth Ambition 2 – Natural Place developed later in the Strategy. A fifth of the total land area of the City is designated as protected habitats, recreation and amenity open space and agricultural land and comprise a green network within the city. These spaces are a vital part of everyday urban life in Galway and this high-quality environment contributes to the attractiveness of the area and the health and well being of the population. As such, there is strong policy support to protect and enhance recreation and amenity space. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 3.6.13 The Assembly supports the delivery of a strategic Greenway Network for the GTS to include National Dublin to Galway Cycleway, Oranmore to Bearna Coastal Greenway and the Galway to Clifden Greenway (S/M). Figure 24: Galway – Open Space and RecreationRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 68 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanENVIRONMENT LIVING ENVIRONMENT BUILT HERITAGE Galway has strong links with the past which are evident in the built form, architecture and archaeology of the area, in particular, the historic City Core, and which are significant elements in the definition and experience of the urban environment and engender a strong sense of place. The designation of Architectural Conservation Areas, Protected Structures and archaeological monuments including the remnants of the medieval town wall reflect the importance of the built and archaeological heritage in the city. These are part of the experience that is Galway. PUBLIC REALM Investment in public realm adds to the attractiveness of the city and contributes to the quality of life of those who live and work in the city. The development of a Public Realm Strategy for the City Centre shall be undertaken and used to inform the future management and use of the public realm in a manner that complements measures set out in the Galway Transport Strategy. It should set out the details of phased co-ordinated projects that will enhance and improve the way the city functions on a day-today basis, resulting in long-term socio-economic, cultural and environmental benefits. COMMUNITY AND CULTURE The strong tradition of organised community and cultural activity with an array of structures and initiatives within the city contributes it being a successful place. The image of Galway, paralleled with an inclusive community, local distinctiveness and attractive lifestyle, is a critical asset for sustaining communities and good placemaking as well as for the attraction of inward investment. The Cultural Sustainability Strategy 2016-2025 highlights the uniqueness of Galway culture and its richness and diversity and its importance to the future of the City and County enhancing the lives of those living and working in Galway and the surrounding region. The implementation and further development of this strategy is a key objective of this MASP. CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE Climate change represents a significant challenge for the city and the reduction in our carbon footprint must be embedded through, for example, the delivery of sustainable land use patterns, sustainable transportation initiatives, protection and enhancement of the green network and enhancement of biodiversity, promotion of renewable energy technologies and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. The metropolitan area is vulnerable to the harmful effects of climate change, in particular, sea level encroachment and extreme weather events. The CFRAMs study has set out a Flood Risk Management Plan for parts of the metropolitan area which identify a range of measures to manage flood risk. The implementation of these measures is an objective of the MASP and is important in the future development of the city.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 69 3 People and Places
- Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic PlanREGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE RPO 3.6.14 The Assembly supports the retention of existing agricultural land within the MASP boundary for that purpose unless it is subject to objectives for the zoning of lands for particular purposes (whether residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, as open space or otherwise in a statutory plan). Only in exceptional circumstances would it support the development of new residential, industrial or commercial uses on unserviced greenfield sites and these shall be defined through the statutory plan-making process. The delivery of the infrastructure projects outlined below are essential for the development of the metropolitan area. The Assembly will support their delivery and will collaborate in the preparation of Implementation Plans by respective Local Authorities and other stakeholders: g Galway East main Drainage Wastewater Treatment Plan (S/M) g Galway Drainage Area Plan (S/M) g Galway City Water Supply Scheme (S) g Galway City Main Rehabilitation Contract (S)Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 70 3 People and Places
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