Businesses and residents in Salthill are calling for the existing Recreation and Amenity zoning of the former Tourist Office site to be retained, and are opposing the proposed change to Commercial/Industrial zoning.
Galway City Council is currently consulting on Proposed Variation No. 4 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029, which would change the zoning of the approximately 0.15-hectare Council-owned site from Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity to Commercial/Industrial.
The proposal also provides for a new building of approximately three to four storeys and a range of potential commercial, retail, hospitality, cultural, educational and community uses.
Local businesses and Salthill residents are now urging people to make their views known during the statutory consultation and to call for the site’s existing Recreation and Amenity zoning to remain in place.
The former Tourist Office site is a prominent part of Salthill and sits within an area valued by residents, businesses and visitors for its open spaces, recreational use and connection to the coastline.
A spokesperson for the Salthill Business community said, “it is important that the recreational and amenity character of the area is protected.”
“The Salthill business community believes it is imperative that we keep our green spaces in Salthill and along our beautiful coastline.”
“This is an important part of what makes Salthill such a special place. We need to protect these spaces for the community and for future generations, and I want to see this area remain recreational rather than being rezoned.”
The call from local residents and businesses is for the existing zoning to be retained and for the site’s future to continue to reflect its recreational and amenity value.
Salthill has a strong village identity and a unique relationship with Galway Bay. Those supporting the retention of the existing zoning believe that protecting open and recreational spaces is an important part of maintaining that identity.
The statutory consultation runs until 4pm on Thursday, October 15. Submissions can be made online through the city council’s consultation portal or by post to:
Senior Planner
Planning Department
City Hall
College Road
Galway
H91 X4K8
