Revamp of South Park moves a step closer to fruition

The overhaul of South Park will move one step closer Galway City Council approval in the coming months following the approval of draft plans by the Environment, Recreation and Amenity Strategic Policy Committee.

In the drawing up of a master plan for the Claddagh park facility, commonly known as the Swamp, submissions from local residents flagged flooding as a concern for any future development of the area.

It was agreed that any proposals for the area must have regard for this risk and not exacerbate the situation.

Plans are to include the construction of a children’s playground adjacent to Nimmo’s Pier, moving the existing hardstand area, installing a fenced artificial-surface multi-use pitch and the construction of an orbital loop around the park for pedestrians.

It is envisaged that a link would be provided to Celia Griffin Park by means of a greenway.

Senior Executive Parks Superintendant, Stephen Walsh, said that since the initial plans went public, there has been a good response from locals who expressed a desire for “sensitivity” when dealing with the area.

“It is a sensitive proposal derived from the fact that people didn’t want significant change but improvement,” he said.

Planners also hope that the development will bring a focus to South Park beach and help to “further advance Nimmo’s Pier”.

■ For more on this story, see the print edition of the Galway City Tribune.