Alignment with the Draft Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 Policies
We believe granting the requested right of way aligns with the purpose of the Galway City Council Draft City Development Plan 2023-2029 Policy 5.5, point 7 which says “Create, enhance and maintain accessible and safe public rights of way, where appropriate for pedestrian convenience, including public lighting where appropriate.”
We also believe granting this request will support the Galway City Council Draft City Development Plan 2023-2029 Policy 4.6 point 8 which states “Promote a permeable urban and suburban environment in accordance with best practice guidance as provided for in Permeability a Best Practice Guide (NTA 2015) and implement permeability schemes in existing areas where appropriate, permeability proof proposed developments and endeavour to retain existing local links with enhancements where needed.”
Looking at the City Council Draft City Development Plan 2023-2029 we feel maintaining this access will support the 15 minute city concept, Policy 3.3 point 8. Support through policy and design standards the concept of a ‘15 minute city’ where the daily needs of communities can be accessed within a 15 minute walk. As stated in the 3.5 Sustainable Neighbourhood Concept. “..combined to create places where people wish to live, have a sense of belonging, foster community spirit and feel socially inclusive and safe.
The Fort Lorenzo Residents Association are requesting that a pedestrian right of way is established from Carraig Ard, Fort Lorenzo through Cuan na Coille, Fort Lorenzo to the Bishop O’Donnell Road at the point where existing pedestrian entrances exist, approximately 40m from the traffic lights. This will provide access to/from Bar Na Carriage, Carriag Ard & Bru Na Mara, see the attached document for more information and helpful diagram and images.
The public and residents of Fort Lorenzo have enjoyed this access since the area was developed, 20+ years. In the last 12 to 24 months gates have been erected and access has been denied particularly to the less mobile and those with buggies.