Headford survey reveals drop in footfall – but strong sense of community

A dearth of public recreational spaces was identified as a major issue – as was the drop in footfall in the town’s centre – in a survey conducted in Headford.

The Reimagine Headford Community Survey – conducted among local residents and the business community – found that almost 60% of those surveyed said that they don’t regularly come into Headford.

The findings will be revealed at a meeting in The Angler’s Rest Hotel next Monday, December 5.

The survey asked respondents to reveal how often they frequent the town centre, and why – as well as offering their opinion on public amenities and observations about how they would like to see the town centre change and develop.

“Clearly, there is much to love about Headford, with respondents highlighting a friendly community, nearby historical sites, sports amenities, location, and culture and music as the best things about the area,” said the report.

“What’s less heartening is that while almost half of survey respondents visit the town daily, only six per cent shop in the town’s Main Street area (including High Street and Bridge Street) daily, and only nine per cent socialise in the same area weekly.

“In contrast, 58% of respondents stated they do not socialise in Headford very often. Taken as a whole, the survey highlights a need for the revitalisation of the town centre,” the survey states.

Local Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) said that the findings were disturbing finding and intervention was needed – as he believed that rural towns needed to be salvaged.

“The survey findings are startling and there needs to be communication between businesses in Headford and community groups in an effort to rectify the situation,” he said.

“It obviously suggests that people from the area are travelling elsewhere which is not a good thing and has to be addressed,” Cllr Reddington added.

Aisling Keogh of Reimagine Headford said that demise of Headford’s town centre had prompted their Headford Town Team decided to organise this survey, with the support of Galway County Council.

“A concern about the demise of Headford’s town centre led Headford Town Team to make their application for the programme, with the key aim of making the town a more enjoyable place to be, and a better place to live, work and visit,” she said.

“Over a period of months, the team worked with architect Deirdre Greaney to consider a renewed vision for the town, which culminated in a hidden space at the heart of the town was reimagined as a public space where people could meet and spend time.

“This event was planned in response to information gathered in the Reimagine Headford Community Survey, undertaken by the team for the purposes of gathering people’s thoughts and ideas on Headford town centre, and where a lack of public recreational spaces was identified as an issue for the town.”