Galway City Council Chief Executive, Leonard Cleary, and staff from Economic Development/ Tourism attended the Latin Quarter business association AGM last week (Thursday 17 April 2025), to discuss opportunities for collaboration and growth, in this vibrant and dynamic part of Galway city centre.
The Latin Quarter is in the retail core of the city, with over 50 places to eat, 15 bars, a wide range of outlets, accommodation options, Galway City Museum, Mick Lally and An Taibhdhearc Theatres, and Galway Civic Trust, with busking, socialising, window-shopping and people-watching adding to the atmosphere of the medieval streets.
Leonard Cleary addressed the AGM, highlighting significant investment and marketing opportunities for the city, including the Latin Quarter:
“Galway is a key destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, with visitor satisfaction surveys showing an average length of stay at 3.7 days, with visitors using the city as a base to explore the county and islands. Fáilte Ireland, with support from Galway City Council, is currently developing a Destination Experience Development Plan for Galway City, with 90 actions proposed to support the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. While visitor satisfaction remains high, Galway City Council is keen to address any issues that may impact on Galway city remaining a key destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors are keen to see ‘value for money’ – Galway City Council is ready and actively progressing projects under our control, to ensure an unforgettable experience in collaboration with businesses and communities in the city.”
He continued, “Significant investment is underway in the public realm, with the pedestrian area rehabilitation scheme well advanced, and the pedestrianisation of Cross Street and Middle Street being developed by the Urbanism and Placemaking team. The extension of Galway City Museum will also see an increase in footfall in this part of the city in 2027, with a tender for construction currently live.”
“We await the outcome of the An Bord Pleanála planning consent process for a Watersports Hub on the Corrib, with Blueway Accreditation also being progressed, to bring the Galway Waterways back into active use as an amenity for activity tourism. Active travel projects such as the Eglinton Canal, or Wolfe Tone bridge walkway have already been rolled out, with BusConnects Galway Cross-City Link with An Bord Pleanála for a decision at present, and Dublin Road Bus Corridor due for submission shortly. Ceannt Station redevelopment will also create capacity for travel to Galway City.”
“In Salthill, Phase 1 of a project to redevelop the 12 acre site at Leisureland is complete, with the goal of the site being a key attractor on the Wild Atlantic Way. In the city centre, a number of initiatives are underway to create more inviting, and interesting, spaces – including Woodquay Park redevelopment, which has recently been granted planning consent; 6.8km of wayfinding and orientation trails along the waterways as part of an outdoor museum; and the forthcoming shop front enhancement scheme.”
“Business Tourism is a key potential growth area in Galway City, with the redevelopment of Connacht Rugby’s Dexcom Stadium, and St Nicholas’s Church development of the church as a gala dinner venue - supported by Galway City Council - providing new opportunities”.
Mr Cleary noted concerns expressed by the Latin Quarter in relation to busking, where bands were potentially impacting access to Middle Street. He advised the meeting that, “…Galway City Council will launch a trial shortly, in collaboration with the busking community and Galway Business Watch, to find a solution for all. Busking is positive for the city, bringing life and vibrancy to the streets, but we need to find a way that works for all. We will study the trial over the coming three months and will bring feedback to the Tourism SPC on next steps”.
Leonard Cleary welcomed engagement with the Latin Quarter to date noting a positive working relationship on recent impactful projects including Christmas Lights, Night-Time Economy initiatives and the Shop Local campaign. He commented, “Galway City Council will continue to work closely with the Latin Quarter and with businesses and communities in the city, to ensure the continued vibrancy and liveability of the area”.