Architectural conservation

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, technical, social, cultural, or scientific, interest, or that contributes to the appreciation of a Protected Structure. It is a mechanism, which aims to identify and protect areas of special significance and promote an awareness of this significance. Architectural Conservation Areas:

• Athenry Town Centre
• Bearna Pier Road
• Clarenbridge Village Centre
• Clifden Town Centre
• Craughwell Village Centre
• Gort Town Centre
• Headford Town Centre
• Loughrea Town Centre
• Oranmore Town Centre
• Oughterard Town Centre
• Portumna Town Centre
• Tuam Town Centre
• Ballinasloe Town Centre
• St Brigids Hospital, Ballinasloe

For further details of designations please refer to Appendix 7 Architectural Conservation Area_1_1.pdf

The Record of Protected Structures lists all protected structures and buildings in Galway.

You can check if your property is on the Appendix 6 Record of Protected Structures.pdf

Owners or occupiers of a Protected Structure may request a ‘declaration’ under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The purpose of this declaration is for Planning Authorities to clarify in writing the kind of works that would or would not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure which contributes to its special interest. The issuing of a declaration is a service that the Planning Authority provides at no cost to the owner or occupant of a protected structure. The Planning Authority has twelve weeks from the receipt of a request for a Section 57 to have it completed. Section 57 Application Form Galway Co Co_11.pdf

Please Note:

Under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) any person, on payment of the prescribed fee, may request in writing from the planning authority a declaration as to what in any case is or is not exempted development within the meaning of the Act. The person shall provide to the planning authority any information necessary to enable the authority to decide on the matter. Application Form for Exempt Development (Section 5).pdf