Galway City Council has secured approval from An Bord Pleanála for a €1.2 million redevelopment of Woodquay Park.
The plan includes removing existing railings and introducing hedging along the park’s sides, leaving the riverside and Headford Road ends open. This decision aligns with the council’s vision of creating a more open and accessible public space.
The redevelopment aims to enhance the park’s appeal by adding new pathways, seating areas, and landscaping features. However, the removal of railings has sparked concerns among local residents and organizations.
The Woodquay Residents’ Association and nearby schools, including Mercy Primary and St. Nicholas’s Parochial, fear that an open design could lead to increased noise and anti-social behavior, compromising the park’s role as a safe, green sanctuary in the city.
An Taisce also advocated for retaining the railings, suggesting that the proposed design incorporated excessive hard landscaping and risked transforming the park into an open plaza similar to Eyre Square. They emphasized the importance of preserving the park’s unique character and security features.
An Bord Pleanála’s inspector, Donogh O’Donoghue, acknowledged these concerns and recommended retaining sections of the railings to maintain the park’s distinctive character and provide a sense of security for nearby residents. Despite this, the Board concluded that the proposed hedging would suffice as a boundary, and additional railings would detract from the overall design.
This redevelopment is part of Galway City Council’s broader initiative to rejuvenate public spaces, aiming to create more pedestrian-friendly areas that foster community engagement. As the project progresses, it remains to be seen how the balance between openness and security will impact the park’s atmosphere and usage.
This article is based on information first published in the Galway City Tribune.