Cars will not rule the road in new Ardaun suburb

The Local Area Plan for Ardaun is underpinned by a commitment to reduce the need for private cars – adhering to policies set out by Galway Transport Strategy.

The plan states that the concept of an urban village is considered appropriate for Ardaun – supporting a compact, walkable, mixed use neighbourhood on a sustainable scale.

“It is a place where cycling, walking and public transport is promoted and embedded through design, layout, appropriate use mixes and density standards.

“This vision anticipates the creation of a high level of self-containment where opportunities for working, living and recreating can co-exist within reasonable distances.”

As part of the plans, a bus terminus or loop will be developed in conjunction with the public transport network.

The hinterland of Ardaun, including the major employment hub of Parkmore, will reduce the need for private transport with the use of public transport, walking and cycling all attractive for the 16,500 workers employed within 2km.

The plan commits to prioritising walking and cycling in Ardaun, supported by a network of walking and cycling routes to promote sustainable transport and permeability to and within the new suburb.

Provision for the alteration of existing infrastructure is also made in the plan – with access routes to Ardaun to be examined as part of the overall project.

Several improvements are to be investigated including the upgrade of the Martin Roundabout to a signalised road junction, linkage to the off-site bus network and to Oranmore Train Station.

Strategic cycle and walking routes are also to be examined in conjunction with the proposed Dublin to Galway Greenway.

The character of Ardaun is to be distinctive enough to give those who will inhabit the area a distinct sense of place.

According to the Local Area Plan, its character will be defined by public spaces shared by residents – this requiring an integrated design approach that views streets an public areas as multi-functional, attractive and safe spaces that are designed to allow for social interaction and maximum accessibility.

High quality materials are to be used in surfaces and street furniture with opportunities provided to incorporate art, culture, heritage and nature.

Repetitive patterns of similarly designed blocks are to be avoided and a network of roads and streets are to be designed in varying style and character, sufficiently distinctive to create a memorable brand of place.

With regard to building specifications, heights ranging from two to six stories are to be examined with single story buildings discouraged.

Landmark buildings defined by their distinctive architectural quality and taller heights relative to neighbouring buildings are open for consideration.