Business and shopping in Galway’s city centre is set to receive a boost and a new lease of life, according to Green Cllr Niall Ó Brolcháin, under the proposed new planning guidelines.
Cllr Ó Brolcháin has welcomed reports that Environment Minister John Gormley is to review the planning guidelines for out-of-town retail developments.
It is understood that Minister Gormley’s report will be biased towards sustainable retail centres in town and so it will be favourable to Galway city centre traders.
“Over the years city centre traders have been put under pressure by large out-of-town retailers and many have been squeezed out of business,” said Cllr Ó Brolcháin. “This has been detrimental to Galway’s reputation as having a vibrant central business district. I am glad this review will reverse that trend.”
The second aspect of the report is that where out-of-town retail development is allowed, it will have to be built with consideration for public transport and nearby residential areas.
Cllr Ó Brolcháin is encouraging all Galway traders to make their views known to the Department of the Environment.
