Eyre Square

Eyre Square, at the heart of Galway, evolved from common open land; to jousting ground; market; C18th square; and was last redeveloped in the 1960’s. The paths, retaining walls, park furniture and buildings dated from this time. Much of the square had fallen into disrepair, and the layout no longer maximised its potential uses. Car parking around the perimeter, and the circulation of traffic framing the square made its green centre difficult to access. A substantial change in level across the square compounded its problems. The park is planted with trees of varying ages, some magnificent, but many were in decline or of poor quality. The trees were all carefully examined and recorded by a qualified arborist. Fortunately, most of the mature trees are in good condition and these are retained. The youngest trees generally were in poorest condition, and these are replaced with semi-mature trees of appropriate species, befitting a public urban space.

As one of the most important urban spaces on the western seaboard, it was necessary to re-examine the Square and produce solutions which allow its development into a place that will work for the benefit of Galway in the C21st. The broad aim of the scheme is to resolve the physical and visual degradation, and re-order the ad-hoc arrangements of elements that have occurred over time. A major part of the strategy for the enhancement of the square was to remove parking from the perimeter and to pedestrianise the west side of the square, in order to connect it directly with the main shopping district of the city. A transportation study commissioned by the City Council required the northern part of the square to increase its capacity as a transport hub. This required redesign of the bus and taxi parking layouts as part of the plan. Major upgrading of the services and utilities infrastructure is contained within the project and the scheme also provides for the protection and safeguarding of the many historical and artistic artefacts in the square which are retained or relocated. The design process included presentations to the City Councillors, and extensive public consultation, including a universal access audit. An Environmental Impact Statement was prepared, and the planning process included an oralhearing.

The main body of the square is traversed from the railway station in the southeast to the main shopping streets at the northwest corner by a wide arcing path. This steady gradient enables the design to negate the need for the existing high grass bank and steps which caused so many access problems along the main pedestrian route. The north end of the square is designed for intensive use by the public for events and gatherings such as St. Patrick’s Day Parades and New Year’s Eve. Design insertions include; a line of banners displaying the emblems of the tribes of Galway, the replacement of concrete paving with natural stone, the relocation of the ESB sub-station and the public toilets and the provision of a kiosk. The grassed areas of the existing square are redesigned to connect with the surrounding levels of the curved path and pedestrianised street. The creation of a series of three large terraced lawns, dotted with new and existing trees.