A consultant’s report on the development of the recreation and amenity zoned lands at South Park in the Claddagh has recommended improvement in current facilities and further facility provision.
The report carried out on behalf of Galway City Council by Cunnane Stratton Reynolds Land Planning and Design, based on a public consultation process, concluded that there was little appetite for change to the current facilities among the local population.
Keith Mitchell of Cunnane Stratton Reynolds reported to a meeting of Galway City Council Environment, Recreation and Amenity SPC on Wednesday last that while there was an apprehensive response to change, there was an appetite for improvement.
“Most people like it as it is and don’t want much change but they do want increased access to walk around the park,” said Mr Mitchell.
The issue of flood risk at the existing sports pitches was raised by almost every submission and the draft plan for the area has endeavoured not to include anything that would exacerbate the issue.
South Park beach was flagged as an underused facility with an opportunity to develop it as a picnic and recreation area.
“To have a beach like that practically in the city is unique,” said Mr Mitchell. “It is not being used to the best it can be.”
The issue of the children’s playground within South Park was raised as a potential area for improvement with the current facility said to be in bad need of renovation.
“The playground, to be frank, leaves a lot to be desired,” said Mr Mitchell. “It is not an ideal location and is very open to anti-social behaviour – it could be relocated to a better location with a possibility of relocating to Celia Griffin Park.”
It was recommended as part of this preliminary report that an orbital walking and cycle path be created to link South Park with Celia Griffin Park and back out as far as Nimmo’s Pier with consultants reporting that over half of the people that use the park are doing so to access the Pier.
While this was only a sketch of what may be to come in a future master plan for the area, a number of members of the SPC raised the issue of instigating change in the Claddagh.
Cllr Pádraig Conneely believed that there was a “local fear of change” in the Claddagh and that any meaningful plans would be difficult to enact.
“They don’t like change down there – no new buildings, a need for public toilets, bush currently used,” said Cllr Conneely reading from the report.
“We all know where the bush is – we’ve been listening to that for 10 years.
“You’re going to have difficulty doing anything down there – they’re suspicious of officialdom,” he exclaimed.
Cllr Conneely called for action to be taken on the deteriorating Nimmo’s Pier before it goes past the point of no return.
“Nimmo’s Pier must get attention – it’s going to fall in,” he said.
Cllr Colette Connolly queried the suggestion that the playground would be removed from South Park and believed it should be retained whilst also building a new one at Celia Griffin Park.
“I agree with you about the playground,” said Cllr Connolly. “But it is utilised and it might be a bit far, don’t get rid of it – I’d say that having it next to [South Park] is a benefit and anti-social behaviour is going to happen everywhere.”
Cllr Billy Cameron praised the report but wondered if what they had proposed would be possible in real terms.
“Overall, for aspiration, I would give it 100 per cent but delivering it is key,” said Cllr Cameron.