Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 that Galway City Council, being the Planning Authority for the City, propose to make a variation to the Galway City Development Plan 2023 – 2029 in respect of the following:
Proposed Variation No. 3 (NPF IMPLEMENTATION HOUSING GROWTH REQUIREMENTS) The Proposed Variation is to respond to recent changes in National planning policy, namely the publication of the National Planning Framework First Revision and the publication of the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Ministerial Guidelines published under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In addressing the new housing growth requirements and other changes to National planning policy, the proposed variation proposes changes to the written statement and maps of the Galway City Development Plan 2023 - 2029 including, inter alia: changes to land use zoning objectives for a number of identified lands to facilitate residential uses; the identification of locations to provide for long-term housing needs beyond the lifetime of the current Development Plan; additions to and/or changes of policies, objectives and measures to support and facilitate the development and activation of existing residential zoned lands. The proposed variation will ensure a plan-led, co‑ordinated approach to housing delivery that aligns with national policy, supports the ongoing response to the housing crisis and to ensure consistency with updated national planning policy and Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines.
The Proposed Variation is accompanied by:
- A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report (including an SEA screening determination) under the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations 2004, as amended;
- An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Natura Impact Report (including an AA screening determination) in accordance with Part 6 of the Act; and
- A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Report in accordance with the requirements of Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines “The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities” (2009).
A copy of the proposed variation and associated SEA, AA and SFRA documents are available to view and download online at consult.galwaycity.ie/browse
Notice of Determination in Respect of the Appropriate Assessment of Proposed Variation No. 3 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
With respect to the Determination in respect of the Appropriate Assessment of Proposed Variation No. 3 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029, on the basis of a screening for appropriate assessment, the planning authority has determined that the likelihood of Proposed Variation No. 3 to the City Development Plan 2023-2029 (either individually or in combination with any project or other plan) having significant effects on European sites cannot be excluded (the potential effects that could arise from the Proposed Variation were examined in the context of several factors that could result in likely significant effects, if unmitigated, to any European site) and that, as a consequence and having regard to the conservation objectives relating to relevant European sites, an Appropriate Assessment of the Proposed Variation is required to be carried out. The Determination in relation to the need for Appropriate Assessment can be accessed at consult.galwaycity.ie/browse.
Submissions can be made:
Submissions or observations regarding the Proposed Variation and the associated documents are hereby invited from the public and interested bodies. Written submissions or observations may be made between Friday 6 March 2026 to Tuesday 07 April 2026 in one of the following ways:
- Through the online consultation portal following registration at consult.galwaycity.ie/browse
- By post to Senior Planner, Planning Department, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91X4K8.
Submissions and observations should be made in one medium only i.e. via the consultation portal or via hard copy by post. All submissions or observations received within the period specified will be taken into consideration by Galway City Council and are publicly accessible before any decision is made in relation to Proposed Variation No. 3. The closing date for receipt of written submissions or observations is Tuesday 07 April 2026 at 4pm.
For those without web access, documentation will also be available for inspection at the Planning Department during normal opening hours. Please contact (091) 536400 if you have any queries. Documentation will also be available to view during the consultation period at the following locations:
Galway City Library, St. Augustine Street. Tel: (091) 509094
Ballybane Library, Castlepark Road, Ballybane. Tel: (091) 509244
Westside Library, Seamus Quirke Road, Galway. Tel: (091) 509091
Knocknacarra Community Centre, Cappagh Park. Tel: (091) 867594
Ballinfoile/Castlegar Community Centre, Headford Rd. Tel: (091) 429 620
Please note that these locations may be subject to restricted opening hours
Signed:
Patricia Philbin,
Director of Services Urban Development