Chapter 4 Natural Heritage, Recreation And Amenity
4.1 Aim, Context and Strategy
4.2 Green Network
4.3 Greenways and Public Rights of Way
4.4 Natural Heritage
4.5 Coastline Area and Waterways
4.6 Parks
4.7 Urban Woodlands and Trees
4.8 ‘Child Friendly City’
4.9 Views of Special Amenity Value and Interest
4.10 Agricultural Lands
4.11 Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity Specific Objectives
Aim
To provide for a green network in the city that allows for sustainable use and management of both natural heritage and recreation amenity areas in an integrated manner. This green network should allow for the protection of nature and provide for the enhancement and expansion of passive and active recreational opportunities. It should be accessible to everyone and by sustainable modes of transport, where feasible.
Context
Galway City is located at the foothills of the Connemara Mountains, where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay. The city has an extensive coastline with a series of water bodies and courses, canal system and a diversity of open spaces within its boundaries including seashore, woodlands and wetlands. The topography of the city rises northwards from the sea, forming an elevated and undulating rural hinterland, which gives a unique natural backdrop to the built environment.
Notwithstanding the rapid physical expansion of the built environment in the city over the last decade a substantial amount of the lands in the city are natural or semi-natural in character. These lands represent a valuable asset both in terms of being a natural heritage resource and also in enabling sustainable recreation and amenity opportunities for the urban area. Recreation is interpreted to include both passive and active recreational activities and sports. The 1999 City Development Plan provided the framework for the establishment of a green network for the city, by protecting natural heritage areas and designating open space areas for recreational and amenity purposes. Within the city almost a fifth of the total land area is either designated as natural heritage areas and recreational/amenity open space within the city. There are also other areas in the city such as agricultural land, which although not zoned specifically for recreation and amenity, can provide opportunities for recreation, increase biodiversity and are of amenity value.
A range of strategies for Galway City have argued for the need for greater integration between natural heritage and recreation amenity areas, in order to achieve sustainable development of such areas. The GCDB Strategy Gaillimh Beo agus Bríomhar 2002 – 2012, recognises the need to protect and enhance the network of natural heritage areas and recreation/amenity open spaces in the city, while fully utilising their potential for recreation uses and increasing public awareness of nature.
The Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 of Galway City Council seeks to ensure that the city’s recreation and amenity facilities make the maximum contribution to the quality of life of Galway’s citizens. The strategy advocates a hierarchical approach towards the provision of parks, open spaces and amenity areas in order to ensure the city’s residents have access to parks and recreational open space within walking distance of residential areas. The Council’s ‘Galway as a Child Friendly City, 2000’report. endorses a geographical and hierarchical approach to the provision of play areas for children within the city.
It is the aim of this plan to provide for an integrated green network of natural heritage areas and recreation and amenity open spaces in order to facilitate the sustainable management and development of those areas. This green network approach supports the objectives of the GCDB and City Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 and ‘Galway as a Child Friendly City, 2000’ report. It enables effective protection of natural heritage and supports the aim of achieving a good balance between conservation and sustainable development as promoted in the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands National Heritage Plan 2002 and the National Biodiversity Plan 2002. The Council’s imminent Heritage Plan will provide a comprehensive understanding of the natural heritage and give direction in the conservation and enhancement of biological diversity in the city. These plans will complement the sustainable development approach in managing and protecting the city’s natural heritage advocated by the green network for the city.
Strategy
• Promote a green network for the city that allows for sustainable use and management of both natural heritage and recreational and amenity areas in an integrated manner.
• Promote accessibility to natural heritage areas and recreational and amenity open spaces to the wider community and by sustainable modes of transport.
• Promote Galway as a ‘child friendly city’.
• Protect and enhance the city’s natural heritage areas.
• Protect and enhance existing recreation and amenity open spaces and explore opportunities for additional sustainable recreational facilities.
There is an extensive range of natural heritage areas and recreational/amenity open spaces in the city. These areas are strongly associated with each other. Natural heritage areas and recreation/amenity open space form a combined natural resource within the city and the Council considers that they would benefit from a joint policy approach. It is envisaged in this approach that these areas will form a green network within the city comprising of open spaces, statutory nature conservation areas, habitats of local importance, parks, and greenways. The green network will provide a strategic integrated approach to the sustainable use and management of natural heritage areas and recreational and amenity open spaces.
The approach facilitates the establishment of more comprehensive policies that achieves better integration between physical planning, natural heritage and recreational and amenity needs. A central element of the green network will be to promote linkages and accessibility between natural heritage areas and recreation and amenity areas by using greenways, pedestrian/cycle ways, where appropriate. This approach will incorporate policies specified in the ‘Galway as a Child Friendly City, 2000’ report. The environmental and amenity goals of the GCDB strategy and the hierarchical approach to amenity provision endorsed in the Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006. To strengthen this approach the Council considers it necessary to carry out a recreational needs study. This study will further advance the green network approach and will provide a co-ordinated strategic framework for the Council’s the future decision making for the planning and management of recreation facilities and activities within the city. The results of such a study will inform and provide direction in the provision of recreational facilities within the city.
It is the objective of the Council to carry out the study within one year of the adoption of this development plan. The recreational needs study will seek to address the need for different types of passive and active recreation, which are appropriate for and accessible to a wide sector of the community. The scope of the study will include identifying the existing and future recreational needs of the community, by undertaking a thorough audit of existing recreation provision in the city and assessing the future needs of different areas based on anticipated population density, population profiles and catchment areas. The study will also involve consulting with various key agencies, club governing bodies and interest groups. It will identify policies and actions for future recreation provision and management, which will be set out in a strategic action plan. These will be linked to the policies and objectives of all other existing strategies on natural heritage and recreation to form an integrated approach. If necessary the development plan can be varied to incorporate any required material changes.
Fig. no. 4. 1 - Green Network within Galway City
Policy No. 4.2 - Green Network
• Support sustainable use and management of natural heritage areas and recreation amenity areas through an integrated policy approach.
• Promote a green network for the city, which is informed by the objectives in the Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 and the imminent study on recreational needs.
• Provide adequate recreation and amenity open space for the future development of the city.
• Continue to acquire and develop lands zoned for recreation and amenity use. These lands will be used predominately for public use, but opportunities for public/private partnerships will also be investigated where a high standard of recreation facility will be developed and where opportunities for public access is provided.
• Improve accessibility to recreational and amenity areas and include for sustainable modes of transport, where appropriate.
• Retain, extend and enhance opportunities for recreation within recreation and amenity areas for all members of the community including people with disabilities.
• Retain where appropriate the grounds of schools, colleges, sports clubs and other institutional facilities for recreation and amenity use allowing for increases in the physical capacity of the institutions or clubs and for policies in relation to CF zoned lands.
• Impose development levies under the development contribution scheme, where appropriate, to assist in the provision of recreation and amenity facilities.
• Support the endeavours of the Health Forum Sub group of the GCDB in pursing World Health Organisation Healthy Cities status for Galway City.
• The relevant aspects of the Wildlife Habitats Subgroup of the GCDB’s inventory of significant nature and wildlife habitats will be taken into consideration in supporting the biodiversity of the city.
The various open spaces including their character and primary function within the green network are included as follows:
Table no. 4.1 - Open spaces within the Green Network
4.3 Greenways and Public Rights of Way
Greenways are another name for pedestrian and cycle ways separated from road traffic. Greenways is an E.U. term established in a Declaration towards a European Greenway Network, Lille, 12th September 2000 for “circulation routes reserved exclusively for non-motorised journeys, developed in an integrated manner, which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area”. These cycle and pedestrian ways are normally established along rivers, canals, shorelines, abandoned rail and road corridors, or other linear landscape features.
The 1999 City Development Plan including variations had proposals for a number of pedestrian and cycle ways. The current plan furthers this by proposing a network of greenways in the city. It is envisaged that proposed greenways in the city will be additional routes exclusively reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and will complement efforts to provide a pedestrian, wheelchair and cyclists friendly roads infrastructure. Such routes can enhance and increase outdoor recreational opportunities and promote public health. Within the city, proposed greenways form connections between urban areas and the natural hinterland and link habitats. They are also proposed as links, between residential and community services. They are promoted along the coast, the banks of the Terryland and Corrib rivers, canal, railway line and boreens, while having due regard to nature conservation issues.
Some greenways are on private lands where public right of ways are established. It is the policy of the Council to preserve existing public rights of way for the common good. Where in the interests of proper planning and development, the extinguishment of an existing right of way becomes expedient, the Council may require the provision of a suitable alternative. The Council will seek to create new rights of way where necessary for pedestrian convenience or amenity reasons and also to enhance existing public rights of ways, where appropriate.
Policy no. 4.3 - Greenways and Public Rights of Way
• Develop an accessible network of greenways, providing alternative circulation routes for pedestrians and cyclists, for the enjoyment and recreational use by the entire community.
• Investigate the potential of linked greenways from the city into the county area in particular to Barna, Oranmore and Tonabrocky.
• Maintain, enhance and create accessible and safe public rights of way where appropriate for pedestrian convenience and usage.
Natural heritage areas are a major part of the city’s green network. These include nature conservation areas, waterways, lakes, parks and the coastal area. Other natural features such as views and prospects of amenity value, trees and features of geological interest also contribute to this resource. The Council acknowledges the finite nature of these natural assets and will promote a policy of protection in accordance with the principal of sustainability.
A number of sites, habitats and wildlife species of international, national and local importance are to be found within the city. The protection and sustainable management of these resources is crucial because of their ecological and biodiversity value and related educational importance.
On an international level, certain areas within the city have been designated as habitats of importance. These include the Galway Bay area and the River Corrib system, designated under E.U. legislation. These designations seek to protect environmentally sensitive habitats and wildlife and avoid habitat fragmentation while encouraging biodiversity in the urban area. The designated international conservation areas in the city are as follows:
Table no. 4.2 – Designated sites of international importance.
On a national level, natural heritage areas of importance include sites and features of geological interest. These geological sites are currently being considered for designation as future Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and include various features such as cliffs and caves. In table 4.2 pNHAs are included in cSACs. In the interim the Council will seek to protect these features pending their designation as NHAs.
Fig. no. 4.2 – Map of designated sites of international importance.
Source: National Parks and Wildlife Service, DOEHLG.
Note: For most recent updates refer to DOEHLG website.
Table no. 4. 3 – National Natural Heritage Conservation Areas (Pending Designation)
In addition to designated international and national conservation areas, there are other areas within the city boundary, where there are habitats of local ecological importance. These local natural heritage areas can be classified into a range of different habitats such as lakes, wetland, karst (limestone pavement), peat land and woodland, all making an important contribution to biodiversity within the city. These habitats are mainly located on lands zoned for agriculture and recreation and amenity use, which contribute to their continued conservation and management. The Council will have regard to the sensitivity of these areas, where developments are proposed. The Council acknowledges that developments are likely within the vicinity of some of these areas. In this regard the Council will give due consideration to the impact of any development on the sensitivity of these areas.
Table no. 4. 4 - Areas of local ecological importance
Policy no. 4.4 – Natural Heritage
• Protect international designated natural conservation areas within the city, ensure that the range and quality of wildlife habitats are maintained and allow for the development of recreational facilities and educational opportunities where these are consistent with good conservation practices.
• Consider the preservation of features and sites of geological interest in the City pending a decision regarding their designation as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs).
• Give due consideration to the natural heritage value of areas of local ecological importance while facilitating necessary future strategic development.
• Consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Section of DOEHLG regarding any planning applications located within or adjacent designated cSAC, SPA or pNHA.
• The relevant aspects of the Wildlife Habitats Subgroup of the GCDB’s inventory of significant nature and wildlife habitats will be taken into consideration in supporting the biodiversity of the city.
4.5 Coastal Area and Waterways
The coast and waterways of Galway shape the city and are the city’s most defining feature. In addition to giving Galway a unique urban environment, these assets are significant to the natural and built heritage of the city and are of major amenity and tourist value.
The GCDB strategy identifies the importance of the coastline and waterways in the city. It highlights the need to encourage sustainable development of the city’s waterways and coastline area for recreational, natural wildlife habitats and aesthetic purposes. The Council supports this approach and seeks to fully utilise the potential of waterways and the coastline for the sustainable development of recreation amenity purposes while protecting and enhancing their overall character, amenity and ecological value.
Coastal Area: The coastline area has significant ecological value and are designated natural heritage conservation areas. The amenity value of the coast and waterways is very extensive; it ranges from passive enjoyment to a range of water-based activities and navigational opportunities. The significant economic value of the coast is apparent in Salthill, a traditional seaside resort and major tourist attraction. The other beaches of Sliverstrand and Ballyloughaun, all located within the city area, are also significant assets for the city. The economic and recreation value of all beaches will be enhanced further now that the Mutton Island wastewater treatment plant is in operation.
Waterways: The city centre is encompassed by an important resource of inland waterways including the Eglington Canal, the River Corrib, the lesser waterways of the Cathedral River, the West River and the many headraces, tailraces and minor canals all forming significant green corridors within the city. The original name of Galway was the “town of the streams” and the waterways have always played a major role in the evolution of the city. Water was the main sources of power for medieval industry and became even more important in the mini-revolution in the first half of the 19th century, extensively used to power the mills trade in the city. Overlying much of the city center are historical remains and evidence of industrial archaeology, acting reminders of the importance of these waterways in the development of the city.
The associated structures of the canal including mill races, bridges and walls are protected under the Record of Protected Structures. While a major proportion of the banks of the River Corrib, are zoned RA – to provide for recreation and amenity uses and zoned G to provide for the development of agriculture and protect areas of high amenity. In addition the river and the coastal area are both designated cSAC and support habitats and species of international importance. Although the canal itself is not a designated nature heritage area, it is of ecological value and contributes to the biodiversity of the city.
There is the need to enhance outdoor activities that the waterways naturally support and encourage appropriate waterside development that creates physical links between the waterways and associated buildings. Potential exists to expand and improve the existing canal walkways as these areas are valuable as wildlife habitats and are increasingly appreciated by the public as a part of nature in the city.
One of the strategic aims of this plan is “to protect and promote the natural heritage of the city and provide for sustainable recreational opportunities”. There are many policies and objectives that support this aim many relate to coastal areas and waterways, as these are also an integral part of recreation and amenity in the city and will be an important feature of the green network policy and the recreational needs study.
Policy no. 4.5 Coastal Area and Waterways
• Protect natural conservation areas within the coastal area and along waterways and ensure that the range and quality of wildlife habitats are maintained.
• Develop and enhance the recreational and amenity potential of the city’s waterways and coastal area, while not compromising the ecological importance of these areas.
• Provide, extend and improve greenways along the city’s coastal area, waterways and canal system, where appropriate, while not compromising the ecological importance of these areas.
• Ensure that any development and uses in these areas adheres to the principles of sustainable development and prohibit any development or use, which could result in environmental pollution or damage water quality.
• Ensure the conservation of the canal corridor and insist that developments abutting the canal relate to the context of the adjacent environment and contribute to the overall amenity.
• Encourage uses, which will facilitate conservation of the industrial archaeology legacy of mill buildings, warehouses and associated features.
• Ensure that developments located adjacent to the River Corrib do not adversely effect the safe and accessible navigation of the river.
• Ensure the protection of the River Corrib as a Salmonid River, where appropriate.
• Prohibit the location of structures other than structures with essential links to the waterway within 10 metres of the River Corrib in G agricultural zoned lands.
• Investigate the extensive coastline in the city with a view to exploring where public access and enjoyment can be improved and where potential sustainable uses can be developed to the benefit of the city.
• Facilitate coastal protection works in order to prevent coastal erosion, where appropriate.
• Investigate the possibility of the development of a working millrace.
The objective of the Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 is to promote the development of a hierarchy of park provision, within the city. This hierarchical approach seeks to provide parks of different sizes and functions, distributed throughout the city.
Borough Parks - Three borough parks are proposed and are currently under development, Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen on the west, Merlin Park Woods on the east and Terryland Forest Park to the north of the city centre. These parks will facilitate a range of different outdoor recreational activities in a parkland setting. The function of these parks is to attract users from a city-wide catchment. Accessibility for all modes of transport will be facilitated, including pedestrian and cycle access. The areas designated as borough parks contain wildlife habitat areas and offer opportunities for increased public awareness and appreciation of the value of nature. In addition some also have features of historical and archaeological interest.
Neighbourhood Parks - Some neighbourhood parks are already developed in the city, these include Ballinfoile Park, McGrath’s Field (Knocknacarra), Renmore and Mervue parks. In addition, there are lands zoned RA which will be developed in the future as neighbourhood parks. In general these parks are designated to serve more localised amenity needs, attracting users from the immediate areas. In addition to the provision of recreation facilities, it is intended that these parks will engender a sense of place and community ownership. In view of their local catchment areas, pedestrian and cycle accessibility will be particularly promoted.
City Parks - City parks are located in the city centre. These are important amenity spaces allowing a wide range of activities from formal civic and cultural events to informal recreational activities. These include Kennedy Park, Millennium Park, Fr. Burke Park, Fish Market and Woodquay. Most of these parks contribute to the urban context and streetscape of Galway and give definition to the character of the city.
Policy no. 4.6 - Parks
• Establish a hierarchy of parks within the city, including for the expansion and enhancement of three major borough parks at Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen, Merlin Park Woods and Terryland Forest Park.
• Develop recreation facilities within parks to accommodate a diverse range of recreational needs.
• Promote and facilitate parks, open spaces and amenity areas as venues for the arts, cultural events and exhibitions of public art.
• Encourage accessibility by all modes of transport, including sustainable modes of transport.
The Council recognises that trees are important natural features in the urban environment, enhancing the aesthetic quality of the landscape, providing valuable habitats for wildlife, and mitigating against the effects of air pollution. In recognition of this the 1999 City Development Plan designated the Terryland River valley as an area for the development of an urban woodland namely the Terryland Forest Park.
To date approximately 80,000 trees have been planted with an ultimate plan to have an urban woodland of approximately 65 hectares in area. Although Galway City does not have a great legacy of trees, the Council will, where possible, protect those of special amenity or environment value. In addition the Council will continue its tree planting programme in particular within public amenity areas and will require tree planting within developments.
Policy no. 4.7 - Urban Woodlands and Trees
• Make Tree Preservation Orders for individual trees or groups of trees within the city, where appropriate.
• Integrate existing trees on development sites where appropriate and require tree planting, as part of landscaping schemes for new developments.
• Manage and develop woodlands in the ownership of Galway City Council for natural heritage and recreation amenity use, in particular Terryland Forest Park, Merlin Park Woods, Barna Woods and other woods.
• Continue to promote partnerships with the community for the management and improvement of local open spaces through schemes such as the Community Planting Initiative.
The vision of Galway as a ‘Child Friendly City’ is to create a physical environment that includes for diverse opportunities for play, is characterised by safe and accessible recreational areas and provides for everyday activities such as community and educational facilities. This reflects the philosophy of the original establishment of the Child Friendly Initiative by UNICEF in 1996. Following the promotion of the child friendly concept in the 1999 City Development Plan, the Council commissioned and endorsed the ‘Galway as a Child Friendly City 2000’ report. This report advocates a hierarchical approach to the provision of play areas for children, from informal areas in residential areas to equipped play facilities provided at borough and neighbourhood level. It highlights the importance of providing qualitative open space in residential estates for the recreational needs of residents including children, which facilitates a variety of different environments conductive to play. The report promotes the established concept of home zones, where the design emphasis is not only on traffic calming but creating a quality living environment for all. The conclusions of this report have been incorporated into the Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 and into the policies of this plan, in particular the policies regarding housing, transport and recreation amenity.
Policy no. 4.8 – Child Friendly City
• Enhance and promote Galway as a ‘child friendly city’ which will help children understand and feel secure in their environment and will encourage them to experience and respect the natural heritage of the city.
• Maintain and enhance existing play areas and provide new, accessible and safe play areas in accordance with the Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy 2002-2006 and housing policy requirements and any subsequent strategies.
• Continue the improvement/development of playground facilities as outlined in the Council’s Parks and Amenities Strategy, 2002 - 2006.
• Promote the provision of facilities for older children and teenagers within the city, including skateboarding areas, teenage shelters and ball courts.
4.9 Views of Special Amenity Value and Interest
There are views within the city, which require special protection due to their significant contribution to scenic amenity. Views of scenic amenity value and interest define the character of the city, engender a strong sense of place, and significantly enhance local amenities. In general, these views mainly are of the coastal areas, River Corrib, Lough Corrib, and panoramic views of the surrounding rural countryside. It is acknowledged however that views are not static and can be changed by both nature and man. Some changes in a view can be absorbed without jeopardising the integrity of the view, while other changes can have detrimental impacts on a view, which reduced the experience of that view irreparably. It is the objective of the Council to assess proposed developments, which are located in the line of a protected view and prevent developments, which by virtue of their impact scale, design or location would have a detrimental impact on these views.
Protected views within the city can be classified into two types; panoramic views and linear views, the former allows expansive views over landscape while the latter are views towards a particular landscape, observed from a particular roadway.
Table no. 4 5 - Protected Views
Policy no. 4.9 - Protected Views of Special Amenity Value and Interest
• Protect views and prospects of special amenity value and interest, which contribute significantly to the visual amenity and character of the city through the control of inappropriate development.
• Require landscaping schemes as part of planning applications to have regard to such views and limit any planting which could have a detrimental impact on the value of protected views.
The strategy of this development plan includes for expansion of the city into undeveloped agricultural lands on the east side of the city at Arduan,with more contained incremental expansion in other areas. The balance of lands designated for agricultural use, approximately 30% of the total area, is still significant in the context of the city. Agricultural lands serve a number of purposes they provide for agricultural uses, have an important natural and recreation amenity value and can also facilitate strategic projects, such as roads. In the long term they are a major resource for the future expansion of the city.
There are two different land use zoning objectives for agricultural lands in the plan – A zone and G zone. In general, agricultural lands are semi-natural in character. In addition to their agricultural function, these areas are a considerable resource for the city in terms of recreation and amenity. They also form part of the unique natural setting, which provides a backdrop to the built environment. The distinction of the G zoning objective is that these lands are predominately in agricultural use but also have an important landscape value, which distinguishes them from less visually sensitive and amenity rich agricultural lands. In addition some of G zoned lands have future potential recreational and amenity purposes and can satisfy amenity needs generated by an expanding population.
The policy of the Council for agricultural zones is to facilitate the continued use of these lands for agricultural purposes subject to general environmental considerations and to control non-agricultural development.
A limited type of residential development may be considered in areas zoned A. However unless a convincing case of need is established permission for dwellings will not be granted except to the immediate members of families (i.e. sons and daughters) of persons who are householders and residing in the area and to farmers and the immediate members of their families. In all cases conditions may be applied regarding initial occupancy. Such residential developments will not be permitted where suitable alternative sites are in the control of applicants or their immediate family and available on lands zoned for development within the City Council area. Standards for such developments are outlined in Chapter 11, section no. 11.10. Outdoor recreation with small scale associated structures may be allowed in A and G zoned lands, but only where suitable alternative sites are not available on lands zoned for development with the city. In these areas, where necessary structures are permitted, the sensitivity of the landscape should be reflected in both siting and design.
Policy no. 4.10 - Agricultural Lands
• Encourage sustainable agricultural activities, protect the rural character of these lands and where appropriate provide for sustainable recreation/amenity opportunities.
• Prevent developments which could cause environmental pollution or injury to general amenities.
• Provide for limited residential development in A zoned agricultural lands as defined in 4.10.
• Prohibit the location of structures other than structures with essential links to the waterway within ten metres of the River Corrib, in G zoned lands.
The Council has a number of short term and long term objectives with regards to Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity Objectives as set out below:
Short-Term
• To prepare a recreation needs study within one year of the adoption of this plan and if required make variations to the development plan, as a result of recommendations.
• To complete the Eyre Square Enhancement Project.
• Develop the Millennium Bridge at Waterside to link into the existing riverside walk.
• Develop a coastal walk extending from Blackrock to Silverstrand in conjunction with the coastal protection works in the area of Silverstrand.
• Continue to acquire lands for the development of the Terryland Forest Park and continue the programme of planting within the park.
• Develop equipped children’s play facilities, in accordance with the annual playground programme as agreed by the Council.
• Continue the development of Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen Borough Park and associated facilities including the development of a formal garden, municipal nursery and public car parking.
• Provide coastal erosion prevention works at Silverstrand.
• Prepare an amenity environs plan in conjunction with Galway County Council to include greenway linkages to Barna, Oranmore and Tonabrocky.
• Explore the potential of Heritage Council grants for the development of greenways in the city.
• Prepare an inventory of existing trees within the city and identify locations for new tree planting.
• Prepare an inventory of existing public rights of ways in the city and update annually.
• Commence development of a park at Lough Atalia to provide for passive recreation and the development of facilities in keeping with the surrounding area including for boating and sailing facilities within the period of the plan.
Long-Term
• Acquire and develop predominately for public use, lands zoned for recreation and amenity use in conjunction with new housing at Castlegar, Doughiska, Terryland Valley, Knocknacarra and Ardaun.
• Acquire and develop recreation and amenity zoned lands at Terryland Forest Park and Barna Woods/Lough Rusheen for future development as Borough Parks.
• Continue to upgrade the existing woodlands to the north of Merlin Park Hospital as a borough park including the provision of suitable access points, pathways and amenity facilities.
• Upgrade the Woodlands south of the Dublin Road at Merlin Park for passive recreation through the resurfacing of the existing pathways and the provision of picnic tables.
• Develop a number of greenways within the city including:
- Coastal walk extending from Galway Docks to Roscam Point.
- Riverside walk along the western side of the River Corrib in conjunction with N.U.I. Galway to terminate at the access road beside the running track which links Galway/Moycullen Road at Dangan to the River Corrib.
- Riverside walk from the Dyke Road to N.U.I. Galway lands on the opposite side of the River Corrib using the piers of the Old Galway - Clifden Railway Line.
- Riverside walk along the Eastern side of the River Corrib from the Dyke Road to the pier at Menlough. A deviation from the route indicated on the development plan map may be permitted, any alternative alignments shall maximise amenity benefits.
- Riverside Walk along the northern side of the Terryland River from the Dyke Road to the point where it disappears underground at Glenanail to the rear of Glenburren Park.
- Pedestrian walk along the Railway Line from Eyre Square to Curragrean.
- Riverside walk along Western Side of the River Corrib from O'Briens Bridge to Wolfe Tone Bridge.
• Develop and upgrade the three existing boreens in the Rahoon/Knocknacarra area for passive recreation.
• Develop pedestrian and cycle ways at Knockacarra, Doughiska and Castlegar linking residential with existing and future services and amenities.
• Develop an interpretative centre for passive recreation and educational purposes on lands in the Terryland Forest Park adjacent to the Dyke Road.
• Develop lands adjoining Grattan Road and Whitestrand Road for passive recreation use.
• Develop lands at Rusheen for recreation and amenity purposes including for the preservation of the existing bird sanctuary .
• Continue to develop and upgrade Toft Park for recreational use including the continuation of the existing access roads to the rear of the park if considered necessary.
• Develop public car parking of approximately 30 car parking spaces east of Merlin Park Woods at Doughiska.
• Facilitate the provision of a swimming pool with ancillary facilities on lands zoned RA adjoining the Cappagh Road.
• Improve recreation and amenity facilities at Ballyloughaun Beach and provide linkages to the area covered by the Murroogh Local Area Plan.