Galway City Council is delighted to announce the publication of “Continuing the Conversation” - the engagement report summarising outcomes of the extensive programme of public consultation in Salthill, which began in February 2025, and which will feed into the Salthill Village and Seafront Framework Plan.
Working alongside Urban Design and Engagement specialists, Allies and Morrison, staff from City Hall were out and about in Salthill, speaking to the local community and business and leisure groups to gather views on what people love about Salthill and what improvements we can make to the area.
This is the first stage of engagement for the Salthill Village and Seafront project and the project team would like to thank everyone who attended meetings, wrote their comments, sent emails, or stopped to chat with the team along the prom. Members of the public are invited to continue the discussion at a drop in consultation event on Wednesday 25 June, from 12pm - 2:30pm, in Galway Bay Hotel. The Report can be viewed and downloaded at www.GalwayCity.ie/SalthillFramework
Senior Planner with Galway City Council, Eoghan Lynch said:
“The high level of community involvement is an indicator as to how well-loved Salthill is. It shows the level of interest in Salthill and in planning for its future. Over 1,500 comments have been collected from in excess of 400 participants, and a total of 861 surveys have been completed. The knowledge, information and views shared over the past few months reveal what people value most about Salthill, and where changes and improvements are needed. It provides a depth of understanding which is central in progressing a vison and creating a framework for the area.”
The “Continuing the Conversation” report summarises the main issues arising from the engagement process which are grouped into three main themes - Movement; Space and Environment; and Uses and Activities.
Movement
Accessibility is a key priority, with several opportunities identified to make walking safer and more comfortable through improved footpaths, additional pedestrian crossings and upgraded pavement. Ramped access points, universal access and overall awareness of accessibility issues were highlighted. Improvement of access for walkers between the promenade and the village was also a key issue.
Safe cycling emerged as a major concern, with various suggestions to enhance cycling infrastructure to improve the safety and comfort for cyclists, including improved bike stands and dedicated lanes or routes.
Roads and parking attracted a significant proportion of comments, including calls for traffic reduction, maintaining provisions for cars, and keeping car parking free of charge. Most feedback on public transport focused on the capacity, reliability, and attractiveness of buses as an alternative to private cars for access to Salthill.
Space and Environment
The Promenade is a well-loved asset and together with the sea plays a central role in shaping the identity and character of Salthill. Blackrock, the beaches and sea swimming were frequently mentioned with suggestions focused on safety, beach cleanliness and improving access. Issues such as dog fouling, maintenance, bin provision, extending the Promenade and improving facilities for swimmers were mentioned. Concerns were raised regarding water quality and protection and enhancement of local marine ecosystems.
Climate change was raised as being a critical issue for Salthill and the survey revealed strong support for active travel, enhanced public transport, flood defences, and increased greening and planting as key measures to support climate action.
Uses and Activities
Respondents to the survey emphasised the importance of ensuring facilities and spaces are appropriate and appealing to diverse groups, including teenagers, older adults, and families. The survey and comments indicated the potential for additional facilities at Salthill including indoor and outdoor public spaces, youth facilities, markets and retail offerings.
Next Steps
The project team will now work with the consultation feedback to shape the next stage of the Salthill Seafront and Village Framework, including the vision and key ideas for the future.
To discuss the engagement report and to help us to shape the next stage of the project including the vision and key themes, the project team would like to invite members of the public to a drop-in consultation
- on Wednesday 25 June
- from 12pm -2:30pm
- in the Lettermore Suite at the Galway Bay Hotel.
Please visit the website www.GalwayCity.ie/SalthillFramework for further information or contact a member of the project team at Galway City Council on (091) 354 101.
