Scheme Overview
Galway City Council is proposing a public realm improvement project for Cross Street and the surrounding laneways within Galway City Centre. The Cross Street Rejuvenation Project will enhance the streets and public spaces along Cross Street, Middle Street, Abbeygate Street Lower, Buttermilk Lane and Buttermilk Walk.
These streets form part of Galway’s historic medieval core and are located within the city’s Architectural Conservation Area. The area is well known for its vibrant character, local businesses, cultural activity and its strong connection to the Latin Quarter and the wider city centre.
The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of the streetscape while respecting the historic character of the area. The proposals aim to create a safer, more attractive and more accessible environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
The Cross Street Rejuvenation Project is being progressed through the Part VIII planning process, which is the statutory planning procedure used by local authorities for certain public developments.
Why is this project needed?
Cross Street and the surrounding lanes are among the most visited streets in Galway city centre. However, parts of the public realm are currently dated and require improvement.
By upgrading the public realm, the project will help ensure that the area continues to thrive as a lively and welcoming part of the city centre.
The key objectives of the project are to:
- Establish street profiles and rebalance the priority between vehicles and pedestrians.
- Adjust traffic flows to suit the new use of these streets while accommodating existing access and delivery requirements.
- Improve the connectivity of the streets to the surrounding context.
- Enhance the existing heritage assets.
- Establish a cohesive language for the streetscape, including materials and detailing.
- Create a platform for thriving, functioning streets.
- Ensure the scheme is maintainable and responds to today’s needs as well as those of the future.
Further information is available from the Statutory Consent Information Document.
Plans and details of the proposed development are available online at this link, and also at https://planning.localgov.ie/
Plans and particulars will also be available for inspection at:
Galway City Council
City Hall
College Road
Galway
H91 X4K8
Opening Hours:
9:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank and Public Holidays)
Public Display Period:
28 May 2026 to 26 June 2026 inclusive (Excluding Bank and Public Holidays)
Making a Submission
Submissions or observations regarding the proposed development may be made in writing to:
Planning Department
Galway City Council
College Road
Galway
or online at:
or by email to:
Submissions must be received by 10 July 2026 and should be clearly marked:
Cross Street Rejuvenation Project
All comments received will be considered and will form part of the Chief Executive’s Report to the elected members of Galway City Council