Foreword
Méara Chathair na Gaillimhe
Is cúis áthais dom Plean Forbartha na Cathrach a chur i bhur láthair. Is doiciméad é seo a bhaineann le gach duine a mhaireann sa gCathair. Cuireadh an plean seo le chéile tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an bpobal agus léiríonn sé féidearthachtaí forbartha na Cathrach ó 2005 – 2011.
Measaim féin go mbeidh forbairt leanúnach inmharthana agus chomhtháite mar thoradh ar fhís an Phlean. Ní féidir le seo tarlú, áfach, mura bhfuil gach duine againn rannpháirteach i monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an gComhairle Cathrach agus an Plean á chur i gcrích aici. Caithfear cinntiú freisin go gcuirtear cuspóirí an Phlean i bhfeidhm laistigh den tréimhse ama cuí. Is linne an Plean seo agus tá sé de dhualgas orainn go léir a bheith bainteach lena chomhlíonta.
Méara Chathair na Gaillimhe
Caitríona Ní Chonghaile
Mayor of the City of Galway
As Mayor of Galway City I am delighted to introduce this City Development Plan as a document which belongs to each and every one of us. The Plan is the culmination of a long process of public consultation and sets out the parameters for development within the City for the next 6 years from 2005 to 2011.
I believe that the vision contained herein allows for the continuous development of the City but in a way that is sustainable and inclusive of all. However for that vision to truly become a reality we all have a part to play in monitoring the ongoing interpretation of the Plan by the City Council and in ensuring that the objectives set out herein are met within the time scale.
I look forward to your participation in what promises to be a lively process.
Mayor of the City of Galway
Catherine Connolly
Galway City Manager
Galway is Irelands fastest growing City with a strong cultural identity and high quality environment, which combine to make it an attractive place in which to live, work and visit. The Galway City Development Plan sets a vision for the continued development of this attractive and vibrant City in a sustainable and inclusive fashion and the realisation of this vision within a planned framework. The Plan is set within overall national, regional and sub-regional planning contexts. It has taken account of Galways designated gateway status in the National Spatial Strategy, the West Regional Authority Regional Planning Guidelines 2004 – 2016, the Galway Transportation and Planning Study and other national, regional and local policies regarding sustainable development, social inclusion and transport.
The Plan is detailed and comprehensive, covering housing, transportation, natural heritage, recreation and amenity, enterprise and employment, community and culture, built heritage/urban design, and environment and infrastructure. It includes specific area based policies with particular emphasis on Galways vibrant and unique City Centre, which has experienced an increase in economic activity in the last ten years coupled with improvements in the quality of the public realm. Some of the key strategic aims of the Plan are:
• Supporting and promoting the development of a high quality transport system within and linking the City
• Promotion of balanced sustainable economic development and employment opportunities
• Maximising the economic opportunities for all persons in the City and facilitating a wide range of access to social, community and housing facilities
• Protection of the prime role of the city centre and promotion of areas in need of regeneration
• Provision for essential infrastructure and minimising the adverse impacts of development on the environment, and
• Supporting the development of tourism, arts and preserving the distinct culture of Galway City.
The Plan has been subject to a significant public consultation process and I wish to acknowledge and thank all contributors to this process. I would like to express my appreciation to the elected members of the Council for their detailed deliberations over the various drafts and final adoption of the Plan. I would also like to thank the staff and in particular Mr. Ciarán Hayes, Director of Services and Ms. Caroline Phelan Senior Planner and their team for their expertise and commitment in producing the Development Plan.
Galway City Manager
Joe MacGrath