A public consultation is open this month on plans by the county council for the rejuvenation of the public realm in Portumna town centre.
The County Council is preparing the Portumna Public Realm Enhancement Scheme, which aims to make a plan for creating a public space in the town which is attractive for locals and tourists alike.
“The plan will aim to be creative and innovative, putting placemaking at its heart and embracing urban design and architecture to ensure that Portumna will realise its full potential as an attractive and thriving hub within Irelands Hidden Heartlands,” a project brief states.
The public realm refers to the space between buildings and includes roads, streets, lanes, parks, squares and footpaths.
The scheme aims to create attractive green spaces with improved biodiversity for the enjoyment of local residents.
It also aims to open up the town centre economy with extended pavement areas for outdoor spaces for businesses, and better public lighting to enable the night time economy.
Pedestrian and cycling connectivity are also a big part of the schemes, with plans for improved pedestrian routes from the town centre to adjacent recreation and tourism amenities, and the establishment of a strategic cycling hub with bike parking and support facilities.
This project has been commissioned by Galway County Council, with money coming from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
“It forms one part of the wider Portumna Vision 2030 regeneration programme being delivered for Portumna through rural regeneration funding, including the redevelopment of the iconic Courthouse on Clonfert venue.”
“This exciting project will give Portumna a once in a lifetime opportunity to reimagine itself as a more attractive, inclusive and dynamic town for people to live, work, visit and invest.”
Further details about the project and its goals can be found in its brochure online.
Submissions regarding this scheme can be made using the ‘Make a Submission‘ link on this page, or you can complete a questionnaire here.
The closing date for submissions in the public consultation is December 22 of this year.
