A ‘vision plan’ for a renewed Salthill developed by Galway City Council, was met with ‘widespread support’ during an ‘intensive’ public consultation event held during the summer.

A report published in recent days by the Council sets out that feedback from the public and stakeholder groups during a two-day charette [‘collaborative consultation workshop’] in June demonstrated “a strong level of support for the emerging concepts”.

These concepts, which came out of engagement with local residents, businesses and leisure groups in February and March, include the preservation and enhancement of landmarks such as Blackrock Tower and Ladies’ Beach.

Other proposals being contemplated are the replacement of the D’Arcy roundabout at Seapoint which is regarded as ‘dividing’ the village; and the creation of a ‘beach street’, running alongside the Prom walkway, which “will prioritise safe walking and cycling, while maintaining access and parking for motor vehicles”.

The charette, which included stakeholders ranging from local residents and business groups to community and disability advocacy groups, identified the “clear need for dedicated cycle infrastructure” and, despite challenges at pinch points along the Prom, determined that it was possible to find “thoughtful, site-specific solutions” to rolling out cycling facilities along the Prom.

Changes to parking at the Prom should “not result in increased parking pressure on adjoining neighbourhoods”, it was noted, while “paid parking was also identified as a potential option”.

Concerns were raised about the inadequate bus service in Salthill and, in particular the lack of a direct route between Salthill and Knocknacarra which was increasing car traffic in the area.

There was consensus among stakeholders that all proposals had to be climate resilient and “participants viewed the proposed flood protection scheme [on the Prom] as an opportunity to integrate attractive landscaping and public realm improvements”.

“There was strong support for housing developments that serve local residents rather than short-term lettings. Salthill should be a place where people’s everyday needs can be met locally, with nearby shops and services,” states the report.

Participants favoured a ‘Town Team’ approach for the rollout of the finalised Salthill strategy, continuing the consultative process used in the development of the plan.

Other projects discussed as part of the charette included the long-proposed restoration of the tidal pools which were seen as “a valued facility from the past”.

Proposals to refresh the diving tower were also discussed at the charette, with universal accessibility and a rationalisation of signage among considerations.

“There was strong support for a light-touch restoration of the diving tower, which is considered an iconic structure. Attendees welcomed the retention of the essential character of the structure, including the distinctive yellow paint.”

The removal of the D’Arcy roundabout received “strong support”, with the current set-up described as “a barrier, and its removal was associated with better access, traffic calming and a stronger sense of place”.

A finalised draft plan, taking into consideration these public consultations, is to be developed in the coming months, with a final strategy expected later this year or early next year.

Pictured: Some of the options being explored envision playful coloured surfaces, such as here at the junction with Threadneedle Road.