A discussion forum entitled ‘Galway City Draft Development Plan – The Opportunity to Have Your Say’ was held last Wednesday at Galway City Museum, where key observations and insights into the importance of the process of the development plan were highlighted to attendees.
Speakers included Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane, Mr. David Heffernan of Heffernan & Associates architects and James O’Donnell, Managing Director of Galway based company, Planning Consultancy Services.
This event which was organised by Planning Consultancy Services was well received and attendees included Ronnie O’Gorman, Chairman of Galway City Business Association, representatives of architects and community groups, as well members of the public, property owners and public representatives.
The event was opened by Deputy Mayor of Galway City Cllr Peter Keane, who welcomed this forum and talked about the key role of city councillors in representing the views of the public and he encouraged community organisations, business groups and members of the public to make submissions in advance of the April 21 deadline.
James O’Donnell of Planning Consultancy Services gave an insightful presentation in laymans terms on the draft city development plan. He commented that the provisions of the Draft 2011- 2017 Development Plan share many similarities with the current 2005 plan.
Although the projected recovery in development is unlikely to occur until at least 2012, there is a need to plan for the future growth of the city in order to achieve population growth targets which ensure that Galway remains a competitive Irish and European city. He suggested that where existing services are available, including water and sewerage infrastructure, new development zones including new employment zones for the city could be considered in the new plan.
Mr O’Donnell also spoke about one of Galway’s major problems - the growing traffic issues. In an attempt to alleviate these problems and taking National Density Guidelines into consideration, the new plan could facilitate increased numbers of higher density developments radiating from the city centre along specific routes.
In conjunction with a relaxation of parking space requirements this could stimulate the use of public transport and make the introduction of more attractive modern modes of public transport an economically viable prospect in the future. At the other end of the spectrum, in some parts of the city it may be more appropriate to provide for lower density developments or to extend recreation and amenity areas.
Concern was expressed during the discussion forum at the idea that the Ardaun area is to accommodate a considerable portion of the population increases in Galway City however there is no time frame set for the provision of infrastructure in this area or for the preparation of the Ardaun local area plan.
Special guest David Heffernan of Heffernan and Associates is a well-established architect in Galway city with a particular interest in sustainable development and energy efficient buildings. His presentation compared the planning undertaken in Australia in contrast to Galway, and how we could learn from the mistakes made elsewhere in preventing urban sprawl and protecting our hinterland, by providing for higher density within the city centre and making the use of public transport more feasible.
The Galway City Draft Development Plan 2011-2017 has been on public display since the 28th January 28 and will be open for a limited period for new submissions until 21 April 2010 during which time interested parties and members of the public can have their say in the plan-making process. This new plan which will be adopted in January 2011 will provide the blueprint for all development proposals in the city over the next 6 years and beyond.
Planning Consultancy Services, based in Galway City, provide a professional, dynamic and personalised planning advisory service. A qualified town planner, James O’Donnell has extensive knowledge and more than 10 years experience in planning through work in both public and private sector on commercial and domestic planning issues. As a result he provides advice to inform clients of the legal framework and policy requirements of the Irish planning system. His core work involves lodging planning applications and appeals, as well as development potential reports and planning appraisals for both large and small scale developments. To arrange an appointment contact 087 6066166 or view www.planningconsultancy.ie
