Galway city centre set for revamp as plans for ‘rejuvenation project’ go on public display
A planning application for the Cross Street Rejuvenation project in Galway city centre has been submitted on Thursday, May 28 and will go on public display for a month.
Galway City Council has lodged an application aimed at upgrading Cross Street, Middle Street, Abbeygate Street Lower, Buttermilk Lane and Buttermilk Walk.
An approximately 20-week process, which will include public consultation and consideration of submissions, will now begin before the proposal goes before local councillors for a vote.
The streets included in the scheme are regarded as being in need of significant improvement, despite attracting high levels of footfall. The plans are intended to be sustainable, maintainable and adaptable to future needs.
Rendering of new footpaths and layout by the Dáil bar.
Day-to-day rendering with improves footpath widths. © Galway City Council
The streets will be improved to accommodate foot traffic and vehicular traffic better. © Galway City Council
The project aims to encourage greater pedestrian activity in the city centre by enhancing public spaces, supporting local retailers and improving outdoor dining and seating areas.
Proposed renderings show a pedestrian-focused redesign, with upgraded lighting intended to improve safety while also highlighting the area’s heritage features.
In addition to streetscape and landscaping works, the application includes infrastructure upgrades such as the undergrounding of overhead cables, removal of redundant lines and the installation of nature-based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).
Under the proposed plans, a day-to-day model is set with full vehicular access to be maintained to allow for business deliveries and emergency services access. To reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, a minimum footpath width of 1.8 metres will be retained.
Abbeygate Street, Cross Street and Middle Street would operate as pedestrian-priority streets, with restrictions on delivery times and vehicle access. Businesses will also be permitted to extend outdoor seating into designated loading and parking bays.
Markets and public events will continue to operate on pedestrianised streets, with market stalls using loading and parking bays during events. Vehicles will avail of off-street parking access.
The Cross Street project plans are on public display until June 26, and submissions will be accepted through July 10.