Five Galway city streets to be transformed as new plans get go ahead

The pedestrianisation of Cross Street, Middle Street, Abbeygate Street Lower, Buttermilk Lane and Buttermilk Walk were green lit in the hope of kickstarting ‘pedestrian priority’ streets for the city.

The plans include new paving, lighting, seating, planting and other public realm improvements.

The project also sets out how the streets could function under normal traffic conditions, during pedestrianised periods, and during festivals or market days.

Galway city councillors approved the plans during a September plenary meeting after public consultation and submissions.

The feedback among submissions was mostly positive while some did highlight concerns over accessibility for disabled and older users as well as what it would mean for businesses already there - these were issues Galway City Council all replied too but felt did not need modifying.

The pedestrianisation is hoped to enhance public spaces, as well as improving outdoor hospitality as is successfully shown in the summer when the Westend is closed off to traffic.

Abbeygate Street, Cross Street and Middle Street will see restriction times on vehicle access but businesses in the area will be allowed turn the outdoor seating into loading and parking bays - full vehicle access will be maintained for deliveries and if emergency services need to attend an incident on any of the streets.

The plans being put forward are done so while keeping in mind that they need to be ‘adaptable for the future’ as well as sustainable and maintainable.

Council officials say the plans intend to shift the balance away from traffic toward pedestrians while improving safety, accessibility and the area's overall appearance.

Located in the heart of Galway's medieval centre and the Latin Quarter, the area is one of the city's busiest pedestrian routes and a focal point for businesses, tourism and cultural activity - peaking perhaps during the annual Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Race Week.