Gort Regen Projects

The Gort Public Realm Enhancement Project will revitalise the town centre, transforming the historic market square into a vibrant and accessible community space. The project focuses on enhancing the historic streetscape, improving pedestrian safety, and providing people-friendly public open space.

Community engagement has been central to the process, ensuring local voices shape the future of the town. The scheme also supports a range of County Development Plan objectives such as facilitating sustainable modes of transport for example cycling and walking to school, and the application of good placemaking principles.

Gort River Walk: A Green Corridor for Community and Nature

Galway County Council is planning the development of a linear riverside walkway along the Gort River, connecting key parts of the town with natural and recreational spaces. This initiative is designed to:

• Improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity
• Enhance biodiversity and riverbank ecology
• Provide safe, scenic walking routes for residents and visitors
• Link residential areas with schools, parks, and the town centre

The River Walk is envisioned as a multi-functional green corridor, supporting both environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. It will also serve as a flood resilient amenity, integrating natural water management features where possible.

Integrated with Local Planning

The River Walk is a key objective in the Draft Gort Local Area Plan 2025–2031, which outlines a commitment to:

• Protect and enhance the Gort River and its riparian zones
• Promote green infrastructure and active travel
• Deliver high-quality public realm improvements

The Regeneration Team has identified the redevelopment of Canon Quinn Park in Gort as a priority to enhance local quality of life for the families who live in the town centre and to provide an outdoor festival venue. The park is envisioned as a multi-functional open space that will serve as a recreational, social, and environmental asset for the town.

Key Features Proposed:

• Accessible paths and access points
• Children’s play and teen meeting places
• Natural landscaping and biodiversity zones
• Amphitheatre seating taking advantage of the natural topography
• Band stand

The park is intended to complement other green infrastructure projects, such as the Gort River Walk, and will be connected with the town’s active travel network.

Planning and Community Input

The proposal is included in the Town Centre First Plan which was shaped through community consultation. Galway County Council is committed to delivering the park in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community, while aligning with environmental and planning best practice.