A National Taskforce, with the goal of revitalising our town centres, including Galway city, will be essential in protecting and enhancing businesses, and combating problems exacerbated during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
This is the view of Galway Chamber, which, in partnership with Chambers Ireland Network, the Irish Planning Institute, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, and several other bodies, is calling on the next programme of Government to include a national strategy prioritising sustainable town centres and supports.
Galway Chamber said a National Taskforce could assist Galway in combating a number of serious challenges such as commercial trends, transportation issues, homelessness and adverse weather conditions.
'Make Galway a healthier city, a more sustainable city, and a smarter city'
“Our town and city centres are critical to quality of life," said Galway Chamber chief executive Kenny Deery. "In the post-pandemic world, we need to move away from dormant buildings and inhospitable exteriors. We must take advantage of the many strengths Galway has to offer.'
Mr Deery said Galway Chamber wants to "make Galway a healthier city, a more sustainable city, and a smarter city", and that these are goals shared by its members.
"Enhancing liveability, increasing housing supply, and producing sustainable, active transport were critical issues in the General Election and are paramount to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals," he said. "Galway Chamber is calling for a national taskforce to ensure these objectives are prioritised in the post-pandemic world."
