Town Centre First

Galway County Council is actively developing a Town Centre First Plan for Ballinasloe, aimed at reimagining the town centre as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable place to live, work, and visit. This initiative is part of the national Town Centre First policy, which puts local communities at the heart of regeneration. 

Community-Led Planning 

At the core of the Ballinasloe plan is a Town Team, a group of local volunteers representing a cross-section of the community. Working closely with Galway County Council’s Regeneration Team and Town Regeneration Officer, the Town Team is helping to shape a shared vision for the future of Ballinasloe. 

What’s Happening Now? 

Public consultations have been held to gather ideas and feedback from residents, businesses, and community groups. 

A draft plan has been prepared and shared for public review. 

The plan is supported by THRIVE, a regional regeneration programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027.  

Galway County Council is launching a Town Centre First Plan for Oranmore, an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of County Galway’s fastest-growing towns.  

Oranmore has evolved into a key metropolitan town within Galway County, with strong transport links, a growing population, and a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and coastal amenities. However, with growth comes the need for thoughtful planning to ensure the town centre remains a welcoming, accessible, and sustainable hub for all. 

Where the Project Stands 

Galway County Council has issued a call for expressions of interest to form a dedicated Town Centre First Town Team for Oranmore. This team will include local residents, business owners, and community representatives who will work closely with the Council’s Town Regeneration Officer and multi-disciplinary Regeneration Team to guide the development of the plan.   

Once formed, the Town Team will: 

• Identify key challenges and opportunities in the town centre 
• Help shape a shared vision for Oranmore’s future 
• Prioritise projects that support economic vitality, public realm improvements, and community wellbeing 

Community at the Core 

The Town Centre First approach is built on local leadership and collaboration. Galway County Council is committed to ensuring that the people of Oranmore have a central role in shaping the town’s future, whether through the Town Team, public consultations, or ongoing engagement. 

What’s Next? 

• Town Team formation is currently underway (EOI deadline: August 26) 
• Baseline assessments and community workshops will follow 
• A draft Town Centre First Plan will be developed in collaboration with the community 

This plan will help unlock funding and support for projects that make Oranmore’s town centre more vibrant, connected, and resilient. 

Galway County Council is progressing the development of a Town Centre First Plan for Headford, an initiative that places the community at the centre of shaping the town’s future. As part of the national Town Centre First policy, this plan will guide Headford’s regeneration through local leadership, strategic investment, and sustainable design. 

Headford is a growing town with a strong sense of identity and a vibrant local culture. The Town Centre First process offers an opportunity to build on these strengths by identifying ways to enhance the town centre’s role as a place to live, work, and connect. 

Current Status 

Galway County Council has issued a call for expressions of interest to form a Town Centre First Town Team for Headford. This team will include local residents, business owners, and community representatives who will work alongside the Council’s Town Regeneration Officer and multi-disciplinary Regeneration Team. 

Once established, the Town Team will: 

• Identify key priorities and challenges in the town centre
• Co-develop a shared vision for Headford’s future
• Help shape a plan that supports public realm improvements, economic vitality, and community wellbeing 

What’s Next? 

• Expressions of interest are open until Monday, 26 August
• The Town Team will be formed shortly after
• Community workshops and baseline assessments will follow
• A draft Town Centre First Plan will be developed in partnership with the community 

This plan will help unlock funding and support for projects that make Headford’s town centre more vibrant, resilient, and future-ready. 

Galway County Council, in collaboration with the Gort Town Team, has developed a comprehensive Town Centre First Plan for Gort. This plan is part of the national Town Centre First initiative, which empowers local communities to lead the regeneration of their town centres through place-based planning and investment. 

A Vision for Gort 

The Gort Town Centre First Plan, finalised in late 2023, sets out a clear roadmap to make Gort a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable town. It identifies key proposals to enhance the town’s role as a social, cultural, and economic hub for the wider region. 

The plan supports: 

• Public realm improvements 
• Reactivation of vacant and underused buildings 
• Enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure 
• Support for local enterprise and tourism 
• Improved community and recreational spaces 

Current Status 

The plan is now in the early implementation phase, with Galway County Council working to: 

• Prioritise and sequence key projects 
• Secure funding through national and EU programmes 
• Advance design and planning for public realm upgrades and active travel routes 

The plan is also integrated into the Draft Gort Local Area Plan 2025–2031, ensuring alignment with broader spatial, environmental, and economic strategies 

Athenry is a town with deep roots and bold ambitions and now it’s taking the next step in shaping its future. Through the Town Centre First initiative, Galway County Council is working with the people of Athenry to reimagine the town centre as a thriving, inclusive, and future-ready place.

Where Things Stand

As of mid-2025, the public consultation phase is underway. Galway County Council has launched an online and in-person survey to gather ideas, concerns, and aspirations from the community 

A drop-in consultation event has been held to encourage face-to-face engagement and spark local conversation.

Feedback from the community will directly inform the development of Athenry’s Town Centre First Plan, which will:

• Identify key projects highlighted by the community
• Improve public realm and pedestrian access
• Support local businesses and cultural life
• Enhance connectivity and sustainability

Community at the Core

A Town Team, made up of local volunteers, business owners, and community leaders, has been assembled to guide the process. This team will work closely with Galway County Council’s Town Regeneration Officer to ensure the Town Centre First Plan reflects Athenry’s unique character and potential.

What’s Next?

• Survey results will be analysed and shared
• A draft plan will be developed in mid 2025
• Further public feedback will shape the final plan
• The plan will unlock funding opportunities for real, visible change
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An Cheathrú Rua is one of the first Gaeltacht towns to take part in the national Town Centre First initiative, a policy that empowers local communities to lead the regeneration of their own town centres. This project is being delivered through a partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Galway County Council, with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

As a vibrant Gaeltacht service town, An Cheathrú Rua plays a central role in the cultural, economic, and social life of the Connemara region. The Town Centre First Plan will focus on:

• Establishing the location for the town centre and proposals to develop the area as the focal point
• Supporting local enterprise and Irish language services
• Improving walkability and accessibility
• Encouraging town centre living
• Celebrating the town’s cultural and linguistic identity

Where Things Stand

The project is currently in the early engagement phase. Údarás na Gaeltachta and Galway County Council are working together to:

• Establish a local Town Team made up of community members, business owners, and cultural leaders
• Conduct baseline assessments of the town’s assets and challenges
• Launch public consultations to gather ideas and priorities from the community

This collaborative approach ensures that the plan reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the people of An Cheathrú Rua.