Beauty spots around city to be protected

Some 19 views of the city’s landscape are so beautiful and scenic they have been afforded special protection.

The views are listed as having a ‘special amenity value and interest’ in the latest draft Galway City Development Plan.

City Hall says these views require “special protection” due to their “distinctive scenic amenity, aesthetic or cultural value”.

Many of them include views of Galway Bay from various vantage points in the city, as well as views of the River Corrib and Lough Corrib.

One of the stated objectives of the development plan is to “protect views and prospects of special amenity value and interest, which contribute significantly to the visual amenity and character of the city through the control of inappropriate development.”

It also stipulates that planners will “require landscaping schemes as part of planning applications to have regard to such views and limit any planting which could have a detrimental impact on the value of protected views.”

The development plan says: “Views of scenic amenity value and interest define the character of the city, engender a strong sense of place and significantly enhance local amenities.

“Important views in the city include panoramic views which allow expansive views over landscape for example Galway Bay and over the cityscape and linear views which are views towards a particular landscape, observed from a particular point. The enjoyment of protected views by the community and visitors is a key part of the experience of the city.”

Among the protected views are the panoramic views of the city and the River Corrib from Circular Road; and the seascape views of Lough Atalia from Lough Atalia Road, College Road, Dublin Road and Lakeshore Drive.

The seascape views encompassing Lough Rusheen including section of Blake Hill, Knocknacarra Road and Barna Road to Silverstrand beach are also included. The views of River Corrib from Dyke Road and Coolagh Road is protected as are views of Galway Bay from Grattan Road, Seapoint, and all along the Salthill Prom as well as from Renmore, Ballyloughane and the views towards the sea at Roscam.

Also included are views encompassing Ballindooley Lough from the Headford Road; as well as views of Lough Corrib from Quarry Road and Monument Road in Menlo. The full list of the protected views is in the plan which is available at City Hall, and libraries.

The plan adds: “It is the objective of the Council to assess proposed developments, which are located within the foreground, middle ground or background of a protected view, in the context of their scale, design and location.”