Cllr Clodagh Higgins is encouraging residents, businesses and community groups across Salthill to examine Galway City Council’s proposals for the former Tourist Office site at Seapoint Promenade and make their views known before the public consultation closes.
Under Proposed Variation No. 4 of the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029, Galway City Council is proposing to rezone the 0.15-hectare Council-owned site from Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity (RA ) to Commercial/Industrial (CI ).
Importantly, the accompanying Specific Objective proposes a new bespoke building of approximately three to four storeys, with its final height and massing to be determined having regard to surrounding development and the standards contained in the Development Plan.
The Council proposal provides for a mix of potential uses including commercial, enterprise and community activities, retail, hospitality excluding sleeping accommodation, cultural and educational uses. It also proposes public-facing and community uses at ground level, including incubation units and flexible workspace.
Cllr Higgins said, “I think it is really important that people understand exactly what is being proposed for this site. This isn’t simply a general consultation on its future use. The proposal is to change the zoning from Recreation and Amenity to Commercial/Industrial and to provide for a new building of approximately three to four storeys.”
“The former Tourist Office is a very prominent Council -wned site in Salthill and decisions made through the Development Plan process can shape what happens on that site for many years to come.”
“People will naturally have different views and different ideas for the site. What matters at this stage is that residents, businesses and community organisations have the information and use this opportunity to put their views formally on the record. My message is simply: if you care about the future of this site and Salthill, make sure your voice is heard”.
The statutory consultation runs from 18 September until 4pm on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Submissions can be made through Galway City Council’s consultation portal or by post to the Senior Planner, Planning Department, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91 X4K8.
All submissions received within the consultation period will be considered by Galway City Council before a decision is made on the proposed variation.
