Latest news with #GalwayCityCouncil
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Night-time economy advisers reimagine rural life after dark
Longford town, one of nine national pilot locations selected for Ireland's night-time economy initiative, is embracing the opportunity to reimagine rural life after dark. Backed by Longford County Council and a dedicated night-time economy adviser, Karen Reilly, the town devised a 2024–2025 action plan aimed at enhancing cultural, economic, and social vibrancy in the evenings. The plan was developed in alignment with a report by the National Night-time Economy Taskforce, published in 2021, which outlined key recommendations for creating a more dynamic and inclusive night-time culture across the country. In Longford, the plan was shaped through extensive public and business surveys, stakeholder workshops, and the formation of a cross-departmental working group within the council. The initiative has supported events like Café Lates, First Fridays, and the Safe and Sound Campaign. The Night-Time Economy Support Scheme provides grants of up to €3,000 aimed at encouraging local businesses, artists, and community groups to host evening activities. Reilly said: 'For a rural town like Longford, this initiative is more than just entertainment, it's about creating a safer more inclusive, and economically resilient community.' According to the adviser, by extending the use of public spaces and supporting late-night transport and public realm improvements, the plan is helping to make Longford a place where people want to stay, socialise, and spend locally after dark. Galway nightlife Galway city is another pilot location selected to lead the way in developing a more inclusive and sustainable night-time economy. The initiative aims to reimagine how Irish cities and towns function between 6:00p.m. and 6:00a.m., according to Kate Howard, night-time economy adviser for Galway city at Galway City Council. Galway's participation is guided by a dedicated night-time economy action plan (2024–2025), developed in close collaboration with local stakeholders including businesses, cultural venues, residents, and community groups. Howard said: 'It is not just about traditional nightlife. It encompasses a broader spectrum of experiences, including retail, cultural programming, food and drink, sport and community-led events that contribute to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the city after dark.' Appointed a night-time economy advisor in 2023, Howard was tasked with co-ordinating efforts to enhance the city's evening and night-time environment. 'The plan focuses on creating a safe, welcoming and diverse environment that supports cultural events, hospitality, retail, safety, transport and community activities,' she explained. 'Its key themes – infrastructure, communications, and experiences – are designed to ensure anholistic and inclusive approach. 'A vital aspect of the adviser's role is strengthening collaborative structures within local government and across the city, embedding the night-time economy into the city's broader planning and policy frameworks. 'This ensures that the needs and opportunities of the night-time are considered in all future strategies, from urban design and transport to community development and cultural programming.' A key component of Galway's action plan is safety and its commitment to supporting businesses through targeted training. In 2024 and 2025, Galway City Council delivered a series of free workshops for night-time operators, covering topics such as vulnerability awareness; anti-sexual harassment; bystander intervention; and drink spiking prevention. 'These sessions, led by international experts, were designed to equip staff with the tools to create safer, more inclusive environments. 'n addition, disability awareness training was introduced to help venues better accommodate customers with accessibility needs, enforcing Galway's ambition 'to be a truly welcoming city day and night', 'This commitment to safety is further supported by the Safe and Sound campaign, an initiative promoting awareness, visibility, and respect in collaboration with night-time economy stakeholders, to ensure that everyone can enjoy Galway at night with confidence,' Howard said. A standout initiative is the Café Lates pilot, which supports local cafés in extending their opening hours into the evening, offering relaxed non-alcohol focused social spaces. 'This programme which was first trialled in Galway city, has been well received, and is now in its second year, reflecting strong public demand for more diverse night-time options,' Howard outlined. 'The Galway City Café Lates model has also demonstrated its effectiveness beyond the city, with replication across five of the nine national night-time economy pilot areas: Kilkenny, Cork, Sligo, Longford, and Drogheda.' Galway has also developed an initiative called 'Youth Lates', a programme of events designed specifically for 16–19-year-olds. 'These events are co-created with young people and delivered in partnership with youth organisations, arts venues, and local creatives,' Kate explained. They provide safe, engaging and culturally rich experiences, ranging from live music events and creative workshops, offering young people a meaningful way to participate in the city's night-time life.' (Left to right): Ciaran Lennon, communities engagement officer; Karen Reilly, night-time economy advisor; David Hussey, LEDJS and Cllr. Kevin Hussey. Image source: Brian McCann. Another cultural offering is Thursday Lates at Galway Arts Centre, which pilots extended opening hours and provides evening access to exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops. The initiative is part of a broader effort to make cultural venues more accessible after dark and to encourage new patterns of engagement with the arts in the evening hours. 'Galway's night-time economy action plan is not just about economic growth. It's about fostering a city that is inclusive, culturally rich, and alive with opportunity well into the evening,' Howard said. Night-time economy A number of recommendations in the report of the night-time economy task force specifically focus on broadening the part of the night-time economy offering that does not involve the sale of alcohol or is not centred on its sale, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), which is funding the initiative. According to the spokesperson: 'There is a recognition that Ireland also has a more diverse culture today and there is a need to provide more alcohol-free options for our new communities in the night time economy. 'Younger people are also seeking a healthier lifestyle and there is a need to respond to the overall public demand for a late night café culture.' The support scheme provided grants of up €10,000 to cafés to host events to increase footfall in towns and cities, provide opportunities for artists – including new and emerging artists at local level – and also encourage the use of cafés as venues for a variety of artists in a more long-term way, the department spokesperson said. The scheme was extremely successful, with many cafés interested in trialling more events, with some reporting that they would still require a little more grant support to generate the consistent footfall needed. Rural life after dark In support of action 19 in the report of the taskforce, DCCS is funding nine night-time economy advisors in Dublin city, Cork city, Limerick city, Galway city, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford, Buncrana and Drogheda. 'The night-time economy pilots are a significant project within the night-time economy policy area and arguably one of the most impactful. The advisors are helping to drive and support a more sustainable night-time economy in their local areas. 'They also work collaboratively on larger projects which have included a late night transport campaign in partnership with the National Transport Authority, a late night safety campaign and the Café Lates initiative,' the department spokesperson said. The pilots are reimagining cafés as evening cultural venues, hosting everything from spoken word and live music to DJ sets, games, and creative workshops. In Co. Donegal, Buncrana has recently launched a phase 2 of its night-time economy grant scheme, which provides small funds of up to €1,000 to support a range of activity from live music and cultural pop-ups to night-time food events and creative uses of public space. The grant scheme is open to all, including cafés that want to contribute to a richer, more diverse evening culture in Buncrana. Meanwhile, in Limerick city, Twilight Thursdays – which runs on the last Thursday of every month – offers a mix of family-friendly fun, live music, food and drink experiences, and cultural showcases and also features extended cafe and retail hours.
Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Crown Square Development is a ‘priority investment' as Galway City Council approves €60m loan
Galway City Council members have approved seeking a historic €60 million loan to finance a variety of capital projects – including the new civic offices in Crown Square. At the July council plenary meeting, elected members discussed the allocation of this money into key investments throughout the city but some felt that it didn't meet the imminent needs of Galwegians. Investment of the €60 million will enable works cross-departmentally in all areas of the city, and will focus on priority projects laid out by the council for their five-year term including: Masterplans at Kingston, South Park and Renmore Woodquay Park redevelopment Pitches at Millers Lane New multi-use game area at Renmore Pitch drainage and skate park in Doughiska Redevelopment of the Galway City Museum with Fáilte Ireland Upgrades to cultural facilities Public lighting upgrades, following damage from Storm Éowyn Mayor of the City of Galway Cllr Mike Cubbard said that the loan 'represents the belief and positivity' of Galway. He added: 'This is a young, vibrant, educated, artistic, Gaeltacht city, with a long tradition as an outward-looking trading port, over more than 800 years of history. This decision is an investment in our future - starting the enabling works for ground-breaking projects including the sports masterplans.' Exact cost breakdown for each project is unavailable as the council remains in the procurement process for the fit-out of the Crown Square development. It 'remains a priority investment.' Finance Director Helen Kilroy said. This loan comes shortly after the Irish Independent attended a special meeting and site visit to Crown Square where chief executive of Galway City Council Leonard Cleary said any other options but moving council offices into the new development would be 'fiscal folly'. To date, Crown Square has cost the council more than €1.5 million. The building itself has depreciated €8m since it was acquired in 2022 but is estimated to increase in value in it's 40-year life cycle. Part of the loan agreed upon will be designated to completing the fit out of the building. Most elected members said the funding would keep priority projects moving with minimal delays and expand the budget for community investment. However, some councillors expressed concern that the loan, and the focus on the Crown Square development, does not address the city's most pressing needs. Cllr Eibhlín Seoigthe said that though the projects listed are important to the city it does not 'address the biggest and most pressing need: housing.' 'I can't vote for this loan because I don't believe it reflects the people we serve.' To explain, she added: 'The project list kept changing. The costs were kept deliberately vague. And not all councillors were properly briefed. That's not democratic. That's not transparent. And it's certainly not inclusive.' Cllr Seoigthe's Social Democrat counterpart, Alan Curran, asked for a deferment due to a lack of adequate time to consider the magnitude of this proposal, as it is one of the largest loans the council has taken. The repayment term for the loan is projected to be 30 years with an annual repayment of €3.1m. Repayments will be calculated based on the amounts drawn down over the term. Now, Galway City Council will seek formal sanction from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage and discuss the terms of the loan and drawdown. The formal application will be processed when the 2026 budget planning commences for the city. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
First look at Galway City Council's planned HQ as concerns remain over €36m building's long-term viability
This was certainly the view of Galway City Council chief executive Leonard Cleary on Monday during a tour of the local authority's new Crown Square development. Mr Cleary believes that not moving to the new development would be 'fiscal folly' but conceded that Galway City Council might outgrow the office space sooner than expected due to an expanding workforce. The Irish Independent visited the Crown Square site on Monday during a media event followed by a special Galway City Council meeting – where over 120 people from the public logged onto Zoom to observe proceedings. The council acquired the building at Crown Square, Monivea Road, situated approximately 1.5km from the city centre, in late 2022, after the current City Hall on College Road was labelled as 'no longer fit for purpose' due to structural issues as well as staff overcrowding. However, councillors have on Monday raised concerns that the new building will also be too small for the increasing number of staff. Galway City Council had 555 staff members in 2022, but that number has risen to 655 (247 of which are outdoor staff) in 2025 and it is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2029, according to the Strategic Workforce Plan. The Crown Square headquarters are projected to have only 347 workstations as well as a variety of collaborative spaces throughout. Councillors also raised concerns that, even before the building reaches full capacity, there will not be enough private offices for sensitive roles such as social workers and housing agents who handle confidential matters. Much of the solution provided for a potential shortage in workspaces is the amount of collaborative stations that are intended for the building, allowing employees to 'book out' meeting rooms and collaboration spots to work from. The local authority also explained staff numbers include outdoor staff, and a three-days in/two-days out working policy will be in place. Data from the council's clocking system and TII research show that Wednesdays have the highest attendance, with 60% of employees working on-site. Increasing cost for the building thus far was also a cause for concern. Cllr Cloddagh Higgins said that between the already borrowed €45m approved by elected members in 2022 from the Housing Finance Agency for the acquisition of the building and additional costs in legal fees and valuations 'adds to the unease surrounding Crown Square' as time goes on. An estimated delivery of 12-18 months was given to councillors in 2023, and the delays have cost the council almost €3m. Cllr Eddie Hoare said: 'Every second or minute that goes by is costing us money.' A cumulation of €1.5m has been spent on the project design fees and due diligence. This figure includes VAT. Galway City Council explained the move avoided a combined estimated cost of €107 million by consolidating four existing office sites into one. The refurbishing and expansion of the current City Hall – which was built in the 1980s and has been labelled as 'no longer fit for purpose' – was estimated at €69 million. In addition, a further €38 million would have been required to temporarily relocate staff to suitable office space during the works. Chief Executive at Galway City Council Leonard Cleary said the decision to purchase was 'a good decision' and the most 'financially efficient option' while he described the refurbishment option as 'fiscal folly'. 'It has taken over a long process of due diligence and research on options. The final option was to invest in a building that you own, instead of leasing, the other option was not feasible.' He added: 'The alternative, which is to redevelop City Hall site, is €38 million more expensive than moving to Crown Square. I could not recommend that option. It would be a fiscal folly.' The council has seen the building's valuation decline from €36 million to €28-29 million as of May 2025. The local authority said that 'ultimately it doesn't matter' as the building is not for sale and once works are completed it will be a 'highly valuable' asset for the city. Avison Young, those responsible for the second valuation, comment on factors like increased interest rates, structural office changes, inflation in construction costs, and the economic uncertainty currently being faced as factors in the numbers. Also, it's estimated that through its 40-year life cycle the property's value will exceed its original €36m purchase price. It is not known yet how much the final costs for the project will total. In the meantime, the local authority is seeking approval from the elected members for a €60 million loan that will allow - along with other projects – the new building's fit-out. The new energy-efficient civic offices at Crown Square will meet NZEB standards and LEED Gold certification. The building will feature modern facilities, including upgraded AV systems, better public access, and improved space for staff and civic events Works are expected to be completed next year with staff moving into the new headquarters by the end of 2026. In the past few months, criticism has also emerged from part of the staff. The local authority stated that the next steps in addressing many of the councillors' questions will come through a masterplan. This plan will incorporate input from staff, public engagement, and union consultations regarding the Crown Square development. A key focus will be on a mobility plan to ensure smooth commuting access for both staff and the public.
Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Galway City Council give 53 homes the green light despite concerns about location
The development proposes the demolition of the following existing structures: one house, five sheds, the vehicle access onto Letteragh Road, as well as a septic tank. In their place, 53 homes will be constructed. These units include 25 semi-detached homes, 2 detached homes, 3 apartment complexes, 6 duplex homes, as well as communal space, bin storage, and site landscaping. Vehicle, cycle, and pedestrian traffic will have access to the development via the existing Garraí ne Sailí estate. The site, located on Letteragh Road, overlaps with the proposed construction area of the N6 Galway City Ring Road (GCRR). The N6 Project Manager raised multiple objections, arguing that permission should be refused because the proposed buildings are 'in the vicinity of, and within the boundary of' the N6 project. According to the proposal, the Engineering Drawing Pack shows the buildings within the GCRR works yet not the specific boundary. Widening of various parts of Letteragh Road is suggested to accommodate future development. Further concerns were raised about how the stormwater drainage network will handle both the housing development and the ring road construction, as well as the impact of blasting operations planned within 150 metres of the new homes. The applicant, Burkeway Homes Limited, was deemed responsible by the project manager for addressing these concerns. Approval from Galway City Council was made with 27 conditions. Only one condition, however, addressed the N6 GCRR requiring a written agreement detailing noise mitigation from the operation of the N6 ring road for the housing development. Additionally, before construction can begin, a three-stage stormwater audit must be completed and submitted to the council. Similar housing developments have faced pushback considering the proposal of the N6 GCRR. The Irish Independent reported last week that the development of 140 homes in Knocknacarra were given the official green light after an appeal was sent to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
An Coimisiún Pleanála gives green light to major Galway development despite city council's original refusal
In early February 2025, Galway City Council refused planning permissions for the development of 156 homes in Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra. The primary reason for refusal was that the units 'directly abuts the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road project route'. The Ring Road remains the 'priority' of the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029. As part of the appeal lodged by Cairn Homes Properties Limited, adjustments were made to the proposed location and number of residential units. Fourteen units have been omitted from the revised plans to comply with a condition prohibiting construction within 100 metres of the boundary prior to blasting for the Ring Road. Galway City Council said that construction around the area would be 'premature' given the prioritisation of the Ring Road project, and that any permanent structures built before the planning and construction of the road are at risk of damage from blasting Approval of the appeal was made with 26 conditions. Including the revised plans proving the area vacated by the omitted homes 'as an area for future development' and not for open space. This will include adequate landscaping in the interim until developed. The Irish Independent reported on the refusal in February 2025. Much of the enterprise development plans remain unchanged. These include a crèche, provisions for vehicular and pedestrian access to Ballymoneen Road, cycle lanes, communal and private open spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and both car and bicycle parking. Among the conditions is a requirement that no more than 50% of the residential units may be occupied before the childcare facility is built, unless otherwise approved. ADVERTISEMENT The location of these approved units is located 5km west of Galway City and partially included in a Gaeltacht area.
