What does Galway need?

Wompa1 · 15-08-2015 7:57pm

Links234 wrote: »

Are you mixing up the monorail with the link light rail? The link was only opened a few years back and it's still being extended. The monorail was built in the 60's for the world's fair along with the Space Needle, it doesn't go to the airport.

One thing I think Seattle really did right was the downtown transit tunnel, we were staying up near Northgate so regularly took the bus. The great thing about the transit tunnel was that both the light rail and bus services ran through it, so there was very little holdup on the bus. Actually, I thought the bus services were great in Seattle, the only time we even used a taxi while there was getting to White Center, or getting back from Ballard, both late at night. The rest of the time we were using the public transport.

I'd love to back again, seriously nice place.

Ah, sorry you're right!! Most times I've been out there it was to do some work at the Microsoft campus which is in Redmond. I also did some work pretty close to the Space needle. I rented a car...traffic sucked! It's apparently the 4th worst city in the US in terms of traffic. There was a bus service that ran from downtown to Bellevue and then another from there to Redmond but it seemed to take too long

Links234 · 16-08-2015 2:59am

Wompa1 wrote: »

Ah, sorry you're right!! Most times I've been out there it was to do some work at the Microsoft campus which is in Redmond. I also did some work pretty close to the Space needle. I rented a car...traffic sucked! It's apparently the 4th worst city in the US in terms of traffic. There was a bus service that ran from downtown to Bellevue and then another from there to Redmond but it seemed to take too long

They should probably think about extending the monorail! But yeah, some of the traffic there is crazy alright, and there's quite a few issues with the infrastructure, they're running into a lot of problems with the viaduct replacement tunnel last I heard.

I am actually pretty fascinated with monorails though, they're quite amazing and as public transport they can be really scenic. It's especially interesting from a cultural standpoint, because they're pretty common in Japan and other Asian countries, in fact I think Japan has the most monorails, but outside of that you rarely see them in other parts of the world. And I just wonder why that is, what's the deal there?

Take a look at this, this is the big one that just opened in South Korea. Just shy of 24km and 30 stations, it's pretty damn impressive. You don't have to watch a full 37 mins, but it's worth a look for a minute, you can kinda see what I mean about it not having much of a 'footprint' as instead of track it's held up by pillars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ShnN3xyRhc

Or this is the old Shonan Monorail in Kamakura (Japan) that was opened back in 1970:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMnEWNaN2Mc

Anyway, you get the idea, monorails are cool and we should totally build one in Galway.

hal9000 · 18-08-2015 12:32pm

Is there a chance the track could bend?

ronnie3585 · 18-08-2015 1:45pm

Not on your life, my Hindu friend.

Lockstep · 18-08-2015 2:30pm

A Wetherspoons would be a great addition. We've some great pubs in Galway but a Spoons would be excellent as well.

Better petrol stations. It seems to be a lot cheaper to fill up outside Galway.

Links234 · 18-08-2015 3:57pm

A Wetherspoons would be amazing, I'd love a few pints of proper English cask ale, and the price is magnificent. Heard rumours they might take over the Cottage in Salthill but there hadn't been much word on that, shame.

Sniipe · 19-08-2015 12:28pm

A decent climbing wall would be cool. I know there is a small one in the kingfisher, but I'm thinking something like this
IMG_4197%20(Small).JPG

Or a two in one, how about a 50m pool with a climbing wall at the end of it?

to add, a decent kids play area, I see a few micky mouse ones around, so something bigger and better...

danube · 19-08-2015 3:30pm

I'm surprised no one mentioned more houses and apartments.

Music4life · 20-08-2015 4:08pm

I wish there was benches placed on Shop street, could also ruin the place if not done right!

Links234 · 20-08-2015 6:32pm

danube wrote: »

I'm surprised no one mentioned more houses and apartments.

Yeah, and decent high rise apartment buildings, we shouldn't be afraid of building upwards, just look at the issues with Dublin and how the ever increasing urban sprawl is putting a strain on infrastructure. And also decent, livable one person apartments. There's obviously a market for this when people are renting out barely livable shoeboxes as "Studio apartments" are charging extraordinary amounts for the privilage, and the chancers get away with it too, so why not build single occupancy apartments to a high standard. Something like these:

And you know something else that Galway should have? A proper indoor market, like the English Market in Cork, or the Camden Stables Market in London. Somewhere like the old Connact Laundry site would've been absolutely perfect, but that apparently is gonna be a hotel. Alternatively the car park on Market St. would be an absolutely perfect part.

Galway would be a pretty interesting place if I was in charge, have a look in the indoor market and get some street food, then grab a pint in Wetherspoons and later take the monorail back to your micro apartment. :pac:

Sniipe · 21-08-2015 10:55am

Links234 wrote: »

Nice, but no bed... do you convert the living room or something?

Links234 · 21-08-2015 1:03pm

Sniipe wrote: »

Nice, but no bed... do you convert the living room or something?

I'm assuming that's a fold out bed.

nuac · 23-08-2015 11:00am

Links234 wrote: »

Yeah, and decent high rise apartment buildings, we shouldn't be afraid of building upwards, just look at the issues with Dublin and how the ever increasing urban sprawl is putting a strain on infrastructure. And also decent, livable one person apartments. There's obviously a market for this when people are renting out barely livable shoeboxes as "Studio apartments" are charging extraordinary amounts for the privilage, and the chancers get away with it too, so why not build single occupancy apartments to a high standard. Something like these:

And you know something else that Galway should have? A proper indoor market, like the English Market in Cork, or the Camden Stables Market in London. Somewhere like the old Connact Laundry site would've been absolutely perfect, but that apparently is gonna be a hotel. Alternatively the car park on Market St. would be an absolutely perfect part.

Galway would be a pretty interesting place if I was in charge, have a look in the indoor market and get some street food, then grab a pint in Wetherspoons and later take the monorail back to your micro apartment. :pac:

Wetherspoons!

Galway has a fine selection of locally owned pubs.

People won't come to Galway to visit a Wetherspoons

ben.schlomo · 24-08-2015 12:08am

nuac wrote: »

Wetherspoons!

Galway has a fine selection of locally owned pubs.

People won't come to Galway to visit a Wetherspoons

As well as a fine selection of pubs serving overpriced mass produced alcohol.

Links234 · 24-08-2015 2:45am

There's a couple of nice spots, but nothing that offers a proper English cask ale. Pint of Adnams for €2.50 would be amazing

yermanoffthetv · 24-08-2015 3:39am

Few suggestions:
Refurbishment of the Salthill Prom, a proper pavement rather than poured concrete which looks drab in wet weather.better landscaping and decoration. More coffee shops and restaurants there too would also be nice.

A decent transit system. Galways probably too small to warrent a tram but It definately needs a proper segregated BRT with information displays (and enclosed shelters!)

An overhaul of the citys shopping centers, The Galway shopping center is looking very tired, There was plans to flatten a redevelop it hopefully that gets resurected now things are on the up. Dunnes and the galway retail park probably deserve similar treatment.

Infact that whole Industrial estate area by Dunnes should be moved out to Ballybrit and redeveloped into shops/apartments

The docklands also needs redevelopment though I would have it as a new CBD with a marina rather than a port as Foynes is only down the road and no point in having 2 deep water ports within an hour and a half of each other.

It would be nice for Connaught rugby to have their own pourpose built stadium concidering the great strides theyve made in recent years.

Fix Ceannt Station. Its an ackward overcrowded dump and the first impression many people get of the city.

More trees everywhere! you can never have enough.

The Lost Sheep · 24-08-2015 12:28pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

Few suggestions:
Refurbishment of the Salthill Prom, a proper pavement rather than poured concrete which looks drab in wet weather.better landscaping and decoration. More coffee shops and restaurants there too would also be nice.

A decent transit system. Galways probably too small to warrent a tram but It definately needs a proper segregated BRT with information displays (and enclosed shelters!)

An overhaul of the citys shopping centers, The Galway shopping center is looking very tired, There was plans to flatten a redevelop it hopefully that gets resurected now things are on the up. Dunnes and the galway retail park probably deserve similar treatment.

Infact that whole Industrial estate area by Dunnes should be moved out to Ballybrit and redeveloped into shops/apartments

The docklands also needs redevelopment though I would have it as a new CBD with a marina rather than a port as Foynes is only down the road and no point in having 2 deep water ports within an hour and a half of each other.

It would be nice for Connaught rugby to have their own pourpose built stadium concidering the great strides theyve made in recent years.

Fix Ceannt Station. Its an ackward overcrowded dump and the first impression many people get of the city.

More trees everywhere! you can never have enough.

Connacht don't need a purpose built stadium as having one would mean moving out of the city centre and that doesn't help with crowds etc.
A properly segregated BRT would be great but that would be very hard to put in place and I don't see it ever happening.

yermanoffthetv · 24-08-2015 6:48pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Connacht don't need a purpose built stadium as having one would mean moving out of the city centre and that doesn't help with crowds etc.
A properly segregated BRT would be great but that would be very hard to put in place and I don't see it ever happening.

I agree they shouldnt move from the city center, that would kill off alot of the casual fans. Theyve two options from what I see, buy out the sports grounds (if thats even possible)and improve the clann stand, have temporary stands at the goal ends for big games along with better facilities. The problem is the location of the club house and training pitch along with the inevitable objections from residents on college road.

option 2 a cleansheet design on a new docks sight.Right beside the train/bus station and Eyre square, plenty of space, no residents to worry about. It would also be a great location for concerts when not in use.

With the BRT I think it would be a (relatively) straightforward job. The main objective would be to get people from the west side of the city, where most people live to the east side where they work. the bus lanes are already in place from UCHG to fort lorenzo and theres plenty of space all along the N6 to Doughiska.

On the return journey/second line, Old dublin road, gmit, lough atalia rd, salthill, threadneedle rd. Old dublin road has a buslane most of its length, lough atalia rd is one way now anyway,the bridge by the spanish arch would need to be redesigned, admittedly a major job. salthill and threadneedle rd are fine once you get rid of on street parking.

The Lost Sheep · 24-08-2015 7:01pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

I agree they shouldnt move from the city center, that would kill off alot of the casual fans. Theyve two options from what I see, buy out the sports grounds (if thats even possible)and improve the clann stand, have temporary stands at the goal ends for big games along with better facilities. The problem is the location of the club house and training pitch along with the inevitable objections from residents on college road.

option 2 a cleansheet design on a new docks sight.Right beside the train/bus station and Eyre square, plenty of space, no residents to worry about. It would also be a great location for concerts when not in use.

With the BRT I think it would be a (relatively) straightforward job. The main objective would be to get people from the west side of the city, where most people live to the east side where they work. the bus lanes are already in place from UCHG to fort lorenzo and theres plenty of space all along the N6 to Doughiska.

On the return journey/second line, Old dublin road, gmit, lough atalia rd, salthill, threadneedle rd. Old dublin road has a buslane most of its length, lough atalia rd is one way now anyway,the bridge by the spanish arch would need to be redesigned, admittedly a major job. salthill and threadneedle rd are fine once you get rid of on street parking.

The IRFU wont buy them out and I highly doubt owners of sportsground would be interested in selling. There already is planning permission to put a second tier on the clan terrace but funding it is an issue. Problem for many walk ons is that the only tickets available generally are at either end of the pitch and if weather is any bit bad at all. They wont turn up.
Who would fund the development of this other option?
Lough Atalia isn't being kept one way.

Mrs OBumble · 24-08-2015 7:13pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

option 2 a cleansheet design on a new docks sight.Right beside the train/bus station and Eyre square, plenty of space, no residents to worry about. It would also be a great location for concerts when not in use.

You are kidding, aren't you? There are a lot of residents in the Docks area.

yermanoffthetv · 24-08-2015 7:25pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

You are kidding, aren't you? There are a lot of residents in the Docks area.

New docks, its empty industrial land.

Funding is the issue for any development. The only hope of it happening would be as part of the world cup bid. I'd rather see it going to Connaught rugby than the gaa getting another stadium refurbished. Of course in the real world its unlikely so I won't hold my breath.

*edit* that planning permission for the clann stand second tier has lapsed BTW.

WallyGUFC · 24-08-2015 8:15pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

New docks, its empty industrial land.

Funding is the issue for any development. The only hope of it happening would be as part of the world cup bid. I'd rather see it going to Connaught rugby than the gaa getting another stadium refurbished. Of course in the real world its unlikely so I won't hold my breath.

*edit* that planning permission for the clann stand second tier has lapsed BTW.

I like the idea of building around the new docks but regarding World Cup funding, I'd imagine capacity would be an issue. AFAIK the smallest ground was 15k in 2011, and the smallest in Japan in 2019 is 16k. This would surely be too much for Connacht (unless they grow at the same rate as they have over the last 6-7 years, but is that likely?) You don't want a half-empty golden elephant sitting there once the tournament is done. Could be worked around though I suppose.

Fleawuss · 24-08-2015 8:22pm

To be much less up its own arse.
To recognize its an enjoyable provincial town.
After the races and the arts festival it flatlines so it needs:
A Volvo Ocean Race type event every year
An international class music venue and event
I'm sorry. I just prefer Dublin. And London. And New York
Galway will never have scale.
I love it for its homeliness but maybe it just needs more of what it does well already.

Gadgetman496 · 24-08-2015 10:47pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

lough atalia rd is one way now anyway.

No it's not, that was only a Temp situation to allow lowering of the road at bridge at docks end. Two way again now.

yermanoffthetv · 24-08-2015 11:20pm

Gadgetman496 wrote: »

No it's not, that was only a Temp situation to allow lowering of the road at bridge at docks end. Two way again now.

Maybe so but it could be changed back to allow for a brt lane. Any road can be altered to improve traffic flow.

As reguards to the stadium i personally think 15k would be a streach to fill regularly (I'll be at the dragons game next Friday doing my part

) your right though a half empty stadium kills the atmosphere but people did say the same thing before thomond park got rebuilt so who knows. There was a piece in the tribune in June about connaught actively looking at the options so maybe we shouldn't be so pessimistic

ronnie3585 · 24-08-2015 11:35pm

Fleawuss wrote: »

To be much less up its own arse.

Oh the irony.

beardybrewer · 25-08-2015 1:16pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

Few suggestions:
Refurbishment of the Salthill Prom, a proper pavement rather than poured concrete which looks drab in wet weather.better landscaping and decoration.

...

An overhaul of the citys shopping centers, The Galway shopping center is looking very tired, There was plans to flatten a redevelop it hopefully that gets resurected now things are on the up. Dunnes and the galway retail park probably deserve similar treatment.

Infact that whole Industrial estate area by Dunnes should be moved out to Ballybrit and redeveloped into shops/apartments

Many good points! I hate the coloured concrete layer they poured on the prom, bike paths, and intersections because they aren't maintaining them. There are many places around the city where this coloured layer is in a bad state which just makes for a bumpy ride.

I've made that same point about the industrial estate tucked behind westside as it has huge potential. But it seems that they're more likely to build up the area around B&Q as any building in westside area is going to have pushback from the local residents. You can hardly blame them, despite the road widening the traffic is still crap (although statistically better).

Mrs OBumble · 25-08-2015 2:11pm

yermanoffthetv wrote: »

New docks, its empty industrial land.

So hardly right beside Ceannt Station then.

yermanoffthetv · 25-08-2015 6:25pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

So hardly right beside Ceannt Station then.

It's just over the rail bridge, I would consider that beside the train station.

Fleawuss · 25-08-2015 6:55pm

ronnie3585 wrote: »

Oh the irony.

I rest my case!

intellectual dosser · 08-12-2015 11:19am

This thread may be dead but I've always wondered why Galway has so few pubs/restaurants on the outskirts of town? Everything is condensed into the city centre.

Tom Sheridans in Knocknacarra, The Huntsman and The Trappers Inn are the kinds of places Im talking about, but they're the only three I can think of.

ben.schlomo · 08-12-2015 11:28am

intellectual dosser wrote: »

This thread may be dead but I've always wondered why Galway has so few pubs/restaurants on the outskirts of town? Everything is condensed into the city centre.

Tom Sheridans in Knocknacarra, The Huntsman and The Trappers Inn are the kinds of places Im talking about, but they're the only three I can think of.

Hotels in localities do the same job e.g Menlo Park, Clayton, Connacht etc etc

youngrun · 08-12-2015 11:44am

A big city park like the Phoenix park. What could be done with South park I wonder and further land reclamation there and harbour area. Or further out eg Moycullen road/drum area.

joeKel73 · 08-12-2015 1:07pm

intellectual dosser wrote: »

This thread may be dead but I've always wondered why Galway has so few pubs/restaurants on the outskirts of town? Everything is condensed into the city centre.

And that's why we love Galway. It's not like Dublin where you have to decide where to meet people and get taxis between locations during a night out. In Galway you just meet someone "in town".

smurf492 · 08-12-2015 1:23pm

Galway needs an arthouse cinema...

ArtyC · 08-12-2015 1:27pm

Galway needs a roof 😫😫

beardybrewer · 08-12-2015 1:33pm

ben.schlomo wrote: »

Hotels in localities do the same job e.g Menlo Park, Clayton, Connacht etc etc

I disagree, we wouldn't be caught dead in the Clybaun Hotel.

gordongekko · 08-12-2015 1:40pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

I disagree, we wouldn't be caught dead in the Clybaun Hotel.

Tom Sheridans was also mentioned.

ben.schlomo · 08-12-2015 1:40pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

I disagree, we wouldn't be caught dead in the Clybaun Hotel.

So because you dont go to one that means nobody else does? Makes sense i suppose.

smurf492 · 08-12-2015 1:46pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

I disagree, we wouldn't be caught dead in the Clybaun Hotel.

Clybaun has seen an improvement since change of ownership in my opinion...

elfy4eva · 08-12-2015 1:47pm

Stevolende wrote: »

Had always hoped they'd open a branch of Lush would hope there was the market for that kind of thing here. Though Flame crashed earlier this year.

Agree, need to pick up a handful of bath bombs etc. to top off a present, gona have to pop to lush when I'm in Dublin next. I would have thought the body shop would be all over that sort of thing but no.

elfy4eva · 08-12-2015 1:49pm

smurf492 wrote: »

Galway needs an arthouse cinema...

The eye cinema has a dedicated arthouse screen.

smurf492 · 08-12-2015 1:52pm

elfy4eva wrote: »

The eye cinema has a dedicated arthouse screen.

I had been thinking of the big unused building in the Spanish Arch..

Cheshire Cat · 08-12-2015 1:54pm

smurf492 wrote: »

Clybaun has seen an improvement since change of ownership in my opinion...

It certainly has. Went there shortly after they had done it up, because Sheridan's was so jampacked you could hardly open the door and have been back since. Quite an improvement!

Mrs OBumble · 08-12-2015 1:59pm

intellectual dosser wrote: »

This thread may be dead but I've always wondered why Galway has so few pubs/restaurants on the outskirts of town? Everything is condensed into the city centre.

Tom Sheridans in Knocknacarra, The Huntsman and The Trappers Inn are the kinds of places Im talking about, but they're the only three I can think of.

Eh? If you include the so called villages on the edge of the city:

Oranmore has a good few.

The Racing Lodge / Amber Lodge - failed.
(Though Eastwoods opened up again after that and is still AFAIK).

Kingsvalley - failed

The Merlin - was still going strong last time I looked. (though I heard a rumour about a switchboard fire and haven't checked since).

The Lantern - failed

McHughs (technically outside the city, but not by much)

Claregalway - also has a few

Menlo Park

.. don't know what's further up the Headford Rd from that

Westwood

College Bar.

River Inn (whatever it's called now)

Westside Tavern

Hanley Oaks (is it still open???)

Clybaun

Kelehans - failed. (Though I heard a rumour someone was re-opening it?)

Moycullen - has a few places, though I can only name the Forge

Barna - - has a few places, though I can only name the Forge

Spinnaker - closed due to a fire

Salthill - lots and lots and lots ...

Gadgetman496 · 08-12-2015 2:06pm

gordongekko wrote: »

Tom Sheridans was also mentioned.

They bought the land and empty house just off the roundabout opposite the Clybaun with the view to opening a second pub.

Links234 · 08-12-2015 2:40pm

youngrun wrote: »

A big city park like the Phoenix park. What could be done with South park I wonder and further land reclamation there and harbour area. Or further out eg Moycullen road/drum area.

My idea is Menlo Park. Make a huge national park, including Menlo castle as a historically protected site (because I'd want to stop some rich asshole turning it into their apartment), stretching all the way along the river. That's what I would do if I had infinite money, build amenities like tea rooms, walled garden, museum with observation tower to have a nice view of the corrib, have a proper park. It's an absolutely beautiful stretch along the river, perfect for a park.

what_traffic · 08-12-2015 5:01pm

Links234 wrote: »

My idea is Menlo Park. Make a huge national park, including Menlo castle as a historically protected site (because I'd want to stop some rich asshole turning it into their apartment), stretching all the way along the river. That's what I would do if I had infinite money, build amenities like tea rooms, walled garden, museum with observation tower to have a nice view of the corrib, have a proper park. It's an absolutely beautiful stretch along the river, perfect for a park.

Certainly has merit, proposal at the minute for this area is to put the new city expressway/motorway through Menlo Castle lands so I think those rich assholes you mention will be staying away from here if it goes ahead.
The Castle features on the front page of the Project Website: http://www.n6galwaycity.ie/

youngrun · 08-12-2015 5:30pm

what_traffic wrote: »

Certainly has merit, proposal at the minute for this area is to put the new city expressway/motorway through Menlo Castle lands so I think those rich assholes you mention will be staying away from here if it goes ahead.
The Castle features on the front page of the Project Website: http://www.n6galwaycity.ie/

Send the motorway /bypass further out - or tunnel under river
and do this park and keep Dangan as is ..

Best solution to both issues ?

what_traffic · 08-12-2015 7:37pm

youngrun wrote: »

Send the motorway /bypass further out - or tunnel under river
and do this park and keep Dangan as is ..

Best solution to both issues ?

Galway City and County Council and ARUP disagree with you.
See drawings uploaded by them on the 20/11/2015
http://www.n6galwaycity.ie/phase-3/chosen-design-option-ballymoneen-road-to-n59-20112015/

or direct map:
http://www.n6galwaycity.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GCOB-SK-D-149_Proposed-Development-Geometry-only-Plan-West_RevI1_small-size.pdf

New Expressway Motorway crossing is to be only 100/200 meters from Menlough Castle. In the PDF look at the very right hand side. Menlough Castle is marked.

What does Galway need?

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