Twelve acres of amenity land in the Kingston area, half of which is owned by the Galway City Council, look set to be turned into a major public park to include a children’s play area, three multi-use games areas, and a grass rugby pitch.
The proposed new park is located close to St John the Apostle National School. The decision to proceed with the development was taken a the recent meeting of the council’s Environment, Recreation and Amenity, Strategic Policy Committee. The need for a new public park located in the west of the city, had been identified since 2008. Funding to develop the plan has been included in this year’s city council budget.
Last year Galway City Council appointed Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, Land Planning & Design Consultants to produce a framework plan for a new public park , leading to consultations with local sports clubs, residents associations, voluntary groups, and individuals.
Following the consultations, the consultants recommended a park with a children’s play area, multi-use games areas, and a rugby pitch on the council owned area of land, and for the remainder to be purchased in the future and developed with native woodland, pedestrian paths, and outdoor gym equipment. The plan also includes upgrading of one of the soccer pitches at Millar’s Lane into an artificial surface for hockey and soccer training.
The decision has been welcomed by Galway City West councillor, Donal Lyons, who said the consultants have “brought forward a plan that will best suit the future needs of the area”.
He said: “It is important the full council endorses the plan and that funding is secured for the phasing of the plan in the shortest timeframe possible. I am delighted that children attending St John the Apostle National School will have access to the recreation area.”
