Galway City Council has acceded to a plea by businesspeople in the West End that the area no longer be “ignored” as the city continues to expand.
Councillors have voted in favour of including objectives in the Draft City Development plan 2017-23 for the West End, including improved signage, street lighting, street furniture, and for its promotion as a historical district.
Publican Simon Heaslip, Chairman of the West End Traders’ Association, made a submission to the Council ahead of the ongoing Development plan discussions.
“We would make an impassioned plea that the City Council would not continue to ignore our unique part of town which we all love so much, when deciding on Galway’s future.
“Don’t modernise without us, don’t pass us out, don’t leave us behind, look over the bridge and remember what helps make Galway unique, magical event.
“Tourists and locals love the way it makes you feel to wander our old streets, popping in and out of tiny shops full of character and characters. Any development of the city should look to protect our greatest assets.
“The West End is full of charm with its old narrow streets, buildings with special features, family-run shops that have been here forever, and award-winning restaurants.
“It is an arts hub with Galway’s main arts centre, the Blue Teapot Theatre Company, two award-winning music venues in Róisín Dubh and Monroes and lots more besides. We feel lucky to work in such a lovely place, it’s unlike anywhere else in the city.
“We need the City Council to help us let people know that the city does not end once you reach the Bridge Mills or Wolfe Tone Bridge,” the submission reads.
It has been agreed that specific objectives be included in the City Development Plan for the West End, include for improved signage, a bike docking station and a bus stop.
The area will also be promoted as an arts, cultural and historical district.
City Chief Executive Brendan McGrath said improvements to the Small Crane are included in the Plan.
“These civic improvements may include pedestrianisation, undergrounding of services and provision of high quality public space and an enhanced setting for the Small Crane weighing scales, a protected structure.
“The scheme will also investigate potential to re-establish the market and to facilitate community events. With regard to the transport network and traffic management in the area, improvements to transport in the city centre including the West area will arise through implementation of measures proposed in the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS).
“The GTS is a comprehensive strategy to address traffic problems in the city and its implementation will provide opportunities to improve accessibility and support environmental and public realm improvements.
“These measures combined with the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road will reduce traffic volumes in the city centre, including the West area and allow opportunities to improve connectivity to the West with subsequent improvements in footfall,” said Mr McGrath.
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