Rural and recreational development
County Galway predominantly consists of rural landscape, with 75.6% of the population living in rural areas, surpassing the national rate of 36.3% (Local Economic Development Plan, p. 14) making investment into service accessibility, recreational facilities and local community amenities all the more important.
Rural and Recreational Development within Galway County Council supports the growth and enhancement of these rural towns and villages through working in partnership with community groups and other key stakeholders. There are various initiatives, grant schemes and organisations that help develop towns and villages across County Galway, including the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, Smart Villages, the LEADER Programme, CLÁR, ORIS, among others.
At the core of these programmes is the goal to sustain the wellbeing of our rural communities, promote inclusion to prioritise the needs of those experiencing social and economic exclusion or rural isolation and ensure an equal chance at a good quality of life, and support the development of key cultural, recreational and community facilities. This ensures our rural settlements are not only attractive, thriving places to live and work, but sustainable ones that people live their whole lives in if they choose to.
