What could Galway look like in 2050?

People are being asked to help shape the future of Galway by describing how they would like to see the city and county develop over the coming decades.

Over the next two months, people will have the chance to share their views with Galway Chamber who are leading the consultation along with partners in A Vision for Galway.

The call for ideas was formally launched by Minister Hildegarde Naughton during an event organised by Galway Chamber in the Hardiman Hotel.

During the event the Chamber also unveiled a large panoramic visualisation of what Galway might look like in 2050, which was produced in partnership with Architecture on the Edge and is the work of architect Brett Mahon.

The graphic includes a number of future projects which are either already in the pipeline or strongly mooted to go ahead in the coming years. 

By providing a visual realisation of how some of these projects could look once implemented, the hope is that it will act as an aide to stimulate public discourse and encourage further submissions from the public.

The visualisation and the draft vision will be available for public viewings in the Galway Chamber offices on Merchants Road for the next two months, while the public consultation process is taking place. 

A video has also been produced as part of the consultation process, which poses the question as to what the Galway of 2050 will look like and also references some of the expected future developments.

The video was developed by Galway Chamber in collaboration with Gaillimh le Gaeilge and Galway Technology Centre.

The Chamber has also worked with the Western Development Commission to create a special dashboard that tracks investment in Galway showcasing the capacity of the city and region to deliver.   

Speaking about the launch of the consultation process for Vision 2050, Kenny Deery, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber, said that the future of Galway will be determined by the people of Galway.

“It is their city and county and it is they who will decide how they want to shape the future,” said Kenny Deery.

“When you are going on a long journey it helps to have a map that will help you reach your desired destination.

“That is what the Vision 2050 process is about. By setting out what the people want to happen, we can work to achieve it over the coming years.  

“Galway Chamber fully believes that Galway can become one of the best destinations to live, work and visit in Europe. For that to be achieved it will involve many stakeholders and ongoing collaboration and engagement with industry, government, and the wider community.

“That is why we want as many people as possible to take part in the Vision 2050 consultation process. This is your city and county, so please tell us what you want it to look like over the next thirty years.”

Anyone wishing to submit their views on Vision 2050 can do so by emailing future@galwaychamber.com. It is also available to view on www.galwaychamber.com