Winner of the Design Category at the Irish Planning Institute 2019/2020 Planning Awards
Galway Public Realm Strategy
In recognition of the increasing importance given to the quality of the urban environment, the Galway City Development Plan 2017-2023 included policy to prepare a Public Realm Strategy.
The Galway Public Realm Strategy 2019 was commissioned by the Planning Section in Galway City Council and was prepared by Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, Dermot Foley Landscape Architects and TOBIN Engineering in conjunction with Council staff on the steering committee.
The Strategy provides a vision of place and design guidance. It outlines a series of project proposals of different scales that will improve Galway’s streets and public spaces over a period of time that will coincide with the ambition of the National Planning Framework to realise Galway’s role as Regional City. The Strategy looks to further the innovative steps which have already been taken, such as investment in the pedestrianised zone, Fishmarket, Eyre Square and the opening of the riverside walk.
The process so far
| December 2018 |
Engagement: Christmas market pop up Strategic Policy Committee meeting |
| January 2019 | Baseline analysis |
| February 2019 | Engagement: Walking audit and workshop |
| Spring 2019 |
Vision and design development Council engagement Outreach meetings |
| Summer 2019 | Technical and environmental testing |
| August 2019 | Draft strategy and manuals |
| September 2019 |
Engagement: How use strategy to improve streets and spaces Outreach meetings Technical and environmental testing |
| Winter 2019 |
Finalise strategy and manuals Strategic Policy Committee meeting |
| Next steps | Take forward projects |
View the Galway Public Realm Strategy
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- Executive Summary Galway Public Realm Strategy
- Part 1: Vision and Strategy (45Mb)
- Part 2: Design, Activity and Delivery Manuals (45Mb)
- Environmental Assessments
Strategic Environmental Assessment
Appropriate Assessment - Natura Impact Report
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)
- Read more on the Public Realm Strategy in Chapter 8 of the City Development Plan
The conversation about Galway’s streets and public spaces
The preparation of the strategy involved an extensive consultation programme. This included a ‘pop up’ consultation event at the Christmas market in 2018 and a walking audit and workshop event in February 2019 at the outset of the project.
Consultation on the draft strategy took place in September 2019 and included a ‘street market stall pop up’ consultation event on Shop Street.
Feedback informed the strategy and will inform the implementation process, in conjunction with the Galway City Development Plan 2017-2023.
Updates will be provided below and if you have any queries please contact the Planning Department, Galway City Council at 091 536599 or publicrealm@galwaycity.ie