No masterplan in the pipeline for Woodquay green area

Calls to have a ‘masterplan’ drawn up for the area known as the ‘Plots’ in Woodquay have been knocked back.

However, the executive of Galway City Council has agreed to include the Plots in its overall vision for the redevelopment of the Dyke Road car park and Black Box Theatre.

Labour Party City Councillor Billy Cameron had called on planners at City Hall to devise a masterplan for the area.

It followed representations from local residents about the future use of the green area, which is popular with the public and is used for training by the underage section of Liam Mellows hurling club.

He submitted a Notice of Motion to the Council, asking for a plan to be drawn up for the area.

In response, the Council indicated that its focus for the development of masterplans was on South Park in Claddagh, and on a masterplan for Knocknacarra.

Money had been set aside for those two plans.

However, Cllr Cameron was given a commitment that the Plots would be included in the overall vision for the Dyke Road area.

“They don’t have the money to do an individual masterplan for the Plots and it is too small for a master plan, compared with South Park or Knocknacarra. But the Council executive has assured me that it will be looked at in the context of the new development at the Dyke Road,” he said.

Cllr Cameron pointed out that the old railway line at the Plots could be used as a greenway or walkway connecting to lands at NUI Galway, which is an objective in the City Development Plan.

Director of Services, Tom Connell, in his official response, said: “The Plots in Woodquay will be given consideration taking account of priority, funding and resources.

“Furthermore, in the context of development of proposals for the proposed cultural centre at Headford Road, the implication of same as regards amenity enhancement in the area will be considered, including the nearby areas of The Plots and Woodquay Park.”

The City Council is planning to knock the Black Box and replace it with modern, fit-for-purpose performance spaces.

The new Black Box will also include a visual art space or gallery, and perhaps a dance studio.

A new multi-storey car park will form part of proposals to overhaul the Dyke Road.

Replacing Black Box is not directly part of the Galway’s City of Culture designation but it is included in a list of the cultural infrastructure the Council is hoping to deliver for 2020.

The Council has been awarded a €3.5 million grant under the designated urban grants scheme to deliver the project.