Businesses and residents in Salthill are urging Galway City Council to retain the existing Recreation and Amenity zoning of the former Tourist Office site, amid proposals to rezone the land for commercial and industrial use.
Galway City Council is currently consulting on Proposed Variation No. 4 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029. The proposal would change the zoning of the approximately 0.15-hectare, Council-owned site from Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity to Commercial/Industrial.
The proposal also envisages a new building of approximately three to four storeys, with potential uses including commercial, retail, hospitality, cultural, educational and community activities.
However, local businesses and residents are calling for the current zoning to remain, arguing that the site’s recreational and amenity value should be protected.
The former Tourist Office site occupies a prominent position in Salthill and is located within an area valued for its open spaces, recreational facilities and connection to Galway Bay.
A spokesperson for the Salthill business community said protecting green spaces was essential to maintaining the area’s character. “It is important that the recreational and amenity character of the area is protected,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that green spaces in Salthill and along the coastline were an important part of what makes the area distinctive, and should be protected for the community and future generations.
Supporters of retaining the existing zoning say Salthill’s strong village identity and relationship with Galway Bay should be considered when decisions are made about the site’s future. The statutory public consultation is open until 4pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Residents, businesses and members of the wider Salthill community are being encouraged to make submissions before the deadline.
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.
