Galway City Centre’s historic medieval core is to be transformed after Councillors unanimously approved a planning application for the Cross Street Rejuvenation Project. This ambitious multi-million euro project represents a rare opportunity to comprehensively upgrade one of the most vibrant parts of Galway City Centre, while preserving the distinctive character of the area. The project will create a safer, more attractive and more accessible environment for residents and visitors, benefitting businesses and the wider city centre area.
At the Council’s September plenary meeting, Councillors unanimously approved a Part 8 planning application to allow for this project to proceed. It will result in enhancements to the streets and public spaces along Cross Street, Middle Street, Abbeygate Street Lower, Buttermilk Lane and Buttermilk Walk.
This 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. It is home to some of the most visited streets in Galway city centre. However, parts of the public space here 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 aim of this project is to increase footfall and dwell time, supporting local businesses and cultural spaces. It will maximise the opportunities presented by Galway’s unique heritage by creating a place where people want to spend time in what is the Architectural Conservation Area of Galway City. It will create an inclusive and welcoming space, which will improve the liveability of our city centre streets, prioritising safety for walkers, wheelers and cyclists while accommodating the needs of other road users too. The proposal will establish a flexible street concept which will ensure longevity and flexibility with multiple street usages, catering for residents, businesses, heritage, tourism and our cultural events.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu has welcomed the planned improvements to the streetscape. “This project will be transformational for Galway while also protecting the iconic built heritage for which the city centre is renowned. It will leave a positive legacy that will last for decades, shaping how these streets will be used by future generations. I congratulate all of those who have worked on and supported this project to date and look forward to its successful delivery in the coming years.”
An extensive public consultation process was undertaken prior to the planning application being made, involving a wide range of stakeholders including local businesses and residents, property owners, elected members, emergency services and accessibility groups. Open engagement events were held at various stages of development to get feedback on the proposals as they were being designed. This collaborative approach will now continue throughout the detailed design and construction phases, and Galway City Council will continue to work with stakeholders to successfully deliver this Project to the benefit of all of those who work, live and visit this area. Construction works are expected to begin in Mid-2028, following the completion of the detailed design works, and Galway City Council will liaise closely with the local community prior to and throughout the construction period to best accommodate business interests, particularly during peak periods, including events and festivals.The Cross Street Rejuvenation Project has an estimated projected cost of €11million and is co-funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the government’s Urban Rejuvenation and Development Fund (URDF). Galway City Council engaged BDP (Building Design Partnership) as the lead architect of the Multi-Disciplinary Design team for the project.
Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary has welcomed the positive planning decision. “I am delighted to see that the Elected Members have unanimously supported this important project for the heart of Galway City. This will ensure that Cross Street, Middle Street and adjoining laneways will become places that Galway can be proud of, providing a high-quality public realm that supports the social, cultural and economic life of the city well into the future. I want to congratulate Galway City Council’s Urbanism and Placemaking team and lead consultants BDP for their work to date. I also want to thank our funding partners whose support is vital in ensuring that Galway remains a modern and vibrant city and continues to develop in a sustainable fashion.”
Further details on the Cross Street Rejuvenation Project are available from the project webpage at https://www.galwaycity.ie/homepage/urbanism-and-public-realm/cross-street-rejuvenation-project
