The population of Galway city and county is set to reach over a quarter of a million by 2010, with industrial output exceeding £5 billion, according to a new strategy document.
The 10-year strategy, published last week by Galway Chamber of Commerce, predicts a 6 per cent annual population growth rate in rural Galway, and 4 per cent in the city. It says population growth estimates, used by Galway Corporation in particular, are under-estimated and need revision. Tourism in the city and county will be worth almost £1 billion by 2010, and industrial output will exceed £5 billion. It estimates that the number of students attending third-level education will reach 20,000. The city will become recognised as the "regional urban capital" of the Border, Midlands and Western region. In keeping with the chamber's new mission statement - Galway @ the Leading Edge - the strategy identifies key projects to support this growth. It says there is a need for Galway to engage in long-term (20 to 25 years) infrastructural planning, and the role of development boards in the city and county could be expanded to undertake this with professional advice. Weaknesses identified include the distribution electricity grid; a shortage of housing, particularly in the city; environmental management; public transport, roads and air links; and access to medical services. On water supply and sewage disposal, it says an immediate evaluation should be undertaken of the Mutton Island sewage treatment plant, due for commissioning next year, to assess if it can cater for an expanded population.
The study notes that Galway was the second most expensive location for housing in the State up to last year, but is now third after Dublin and Cork. Galway must have adequate public and private housing, and investors who make private housing available for rent must be encouraged back into the market by the reduction of the 9 per cent stamp duty.
The study calls for an expansion of closed-circuit television cameras, due to be installed in Galway city centre and Salthill in the next six months.