Observation submitted to GCC (Pedestrianisation Facilities)

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With this observation , I would like to highlight and present the possibilities which would signal a positive interconnection between Tourism, Infrastructure and Socioeconomic Benefits , the observations of each area set out in this document attempt to create a visual perspective accompanied by an explanatory reasoning behind such implementations . Ultimately enacted with the best interest of all stakeholders that use, live and work in the areas.

TOURISM

Infrastructure

Socio-Economic Benefits

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Contents Overview •

Map of Proposed Introductions and Modifications

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Established Pedestrian Streets and Pedestrian Street Additions - Abbeygate Street Upper - Cross Street - Raven Terrace - Dominick Street Upper - William Street West

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Cycle and Pedestrian Underpasses/Overpasses - Headford Rd

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Established Pedestrian Streets As the City Centre’s main commercial centre has been already pedestrianized for up to twenty years, this has enhanced commercial activity based upon these routes .

The services of Retail, Catering and Recreation have all benefitted immensely from the established pedestrianized streets adding to the relaxed idyll of Galway’s City Centre thus facilitating the tourist industry. Pragmatic additions to this Idyll could extend the facilitation of Tourist and Commercial activity, inclusive of Commercial activity which takes place after 6pm throughout the year and moreover during the Peak Tourist Season (April-October).

Pedestrianized Additions (Timed/Peak Season optional) Examining the areas of the City Centre which attract Commercial Activity after 6pm, would prompt further facilitation of these areas to increase revenue and stabilize employment in the service sectors of Recreation, Catering, Beverage and Entertainment industries thus adding to the Service

and Tourist Sectors of Business and Industry.

Profiling the Areas under focus will be presented with Pictorial, Cartographic and Textual explanations.

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Abbeygate Street Upper

As the commercial activity on this street is mainly past 7pm a timed pedestrian window would facilitate business on this street as it hosts Java’s coffee house , Electric Garden Nightclub, Cooke’s Restaurant, Sally Long’s Bar and two to three other café’s and eateries which have been intermittently closing and reopening since 2008.

The timed pedestrian facilities may prompt the introduction of electronic barricades which ascend from street level from 7pm onward

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Abbeygate Street Upper as from above the street is marked with an orange line .

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Cross Street As this street is a focal point for Commercial Recreational activity after 6pm , further timed pedestrianization thereafter this watershed would introduce an enhanced atmosphere thus adding to the Idyll and appeal of the“ Latin Quarter” of the city. Facilitating commercial activity adds to job stabilization, increased optional outdoor facilities i.e. Al Fresco (weather permitting) recreation.

As large crowds are known to frequent on this street in pursuit of socializing , in the interest of Safety this may also add another dimension to further evening timed pedestrianization of Cross Street Upper

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RAVEN TERRACE With Raven Terrace being enacted as a single entity through Bylaw or otherwise , as Raven Terrace’s activity and frequent mobility accepts footfall from all thoroughfares of the city being at a main junction (R336). The area hosts many demographic variables and stakeholders from Families, Coffee Drinkers , Residents, regular Retail Consumers and people who enjoy alcoholic beverages . It has become a focal meeting point for people to talk , eat, drink coffee and those who drink alcoholic beverages. Technically Raven Terrace is not in the “West End” , with this, there is less of an atmosphere of Pubs and/or Nightclubs in this area and is more an outdoor meeting point. With further pedestrianization the clear demarcation of benches for function maybe best to follow the activity of function i.e. Eating, Coffee Drinking or the consumption of Alcohol. With this clear marking of function; refuse , regulation and groupings of like activity can be easier to manage, also, it may create a deterrent for on street drinking .

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To regulate the consumption of alcohol, clear demarcation of road markings and signage at the front of the Salt House to the Eglington Canal , therefore the refuse , regulation and consuming alcohol in a civil and seated manner may increase the attraction of the area to tourists , natives and passers by as well as give the licensed premises a better marketing factor .

Area where Alcohol Consumption from a License Premises is permitted (inside the dashed lines)

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Enabling Raven Terrace to have its own identity and being treated as single entity through a Bylaw or law, empowers more of an emphasis on the Terrace’s function and activity as a shared civic space , which would create a safe and inviting atmosphere , regulating the consumption of alcohol amongst the consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages . With further pedestrianization and adding demarcation of function relative to each commercial premises and endeavour , Material Barriers and/or extendable Dividers , would be added assistant to the placing of benches outside of each premises for their function, therefore creating an entrance point where each premises rules and regulations stand from that point onward.

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Raven Terrace

As there is Commercial Activity here from 8am to 2am , the added potential to Tourism is within it’s vicinity to the Canal therefore making further use of Galway’s waterways , post 7pm optional outdoor facilities would add to further commercial activity until 10:45pm thus adding to the Tourist Attraction of the Canal coupled with Socializing and Recreation

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To Reiterate the local geographical differences and also the layout and theres is a very clear road boundary between “The West End” and Raven Terrace this difference also is clear on activity, as the latter is considered a more open civic space not hugely involved in the pub trade and the selling of alcohol.

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Dominick Street Upper

As there is Commercial Activity here from 8am to 2am , Activities after 6pm host frequent numbers of night time music followers and socialites , often pouring out on to the street, there has also been numerous events staged on these streets at night time i.e. Silent Disco, Street Parties.. thus during peak season adding another tourist attraction to the Arts and Entertainment Portfolio

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William Street West

With numerous Café’s , Bars and Restaurants within this vicinity post 7pm – 4am pedestrianization , The events of Traditional and Folk music take place in the world renowned Crane Bar providing further outdoor facilities around the Crane itself could lead to the multiplier affect of Traditional music being hosted outside from 6pm to 11pm thus creating an environment for further tourist promotion to take place…

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Old Clifden to Galway Bridge

Both of the pictures are that of an Old view of the Corrib Railway Bridge, practically there is 6 iron girders needed and surfacing to facilitate cycling and pedestrians which will open up land use areas of Residential , Educational to Commercial based on the Headford rd , the expense to facilitate pedestrians and cyclists maybe of reasonable as materials needed would not exceed similar costs attached with bridging for Road and Rail

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Headford Rd Pedestrian Overpass With a high volume of traffic using this thoroughfare adjacent to a high residential area (Dun na Coiribe,Gort na Coiribe), to facilitate commerce and ensure safety of pedestrians/consumers , as pedestrian overpass could be the most optimal solution , constructed at a height to allow for all forms of vehicles inclusive of HGV to Automobile so that using this thoroughfare remains unhindered for Motorist and Pedestrian , this would in turn increase traffic flow along this congested route ( presently at peak times). The construction of this overpass would be most optimal a reasonable height to account and consider all types of vehicle therefore ensuring safety for both Pedestrian and Vehicle operator using this thoroughfare.

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Eglington Street- Mary Street – St.Anthony’s Place As the aerial view outlines the pedestrian safety measures of Street Guard railing below , this increases safety for both Motorist and Pedestrian , presently at this junction there is encroachment by both pedestrian and motorist with controls or signals to engage both movements therefore rendering this as unsafe , as with lifestyle habits and night time recreation can herald increased safety issues of misjudgement due to light and inebriation. The extent of the guard railing would be most optimal when suiting day time deliveries to retailers and ultimate safety of all users of this junction throughout the course of a day.

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A Chara, This report and observation has been produced with the endeavour of civic duty to Galway and Galwegians, both Long standing or short staying, so that the city can strive to return to prosperity and the pursuit of happiness .

Aiming to create a spirit of camaderie rather than rivalry, is also a key motivation in this observation, also fostering a opportunity for Social Partnership to occur.

As a native to the City , and within my capabilities, I can, whilst present , give my knowledge and learning to the betterment of the City and it’s Civic Activities.

Is le meas, Joseph Francis Kelly In Association with The Atlantic Greenway Project 23