Galway residents’ united front to oppose housing plan at Murrough

RESIDENTS in Renmore have united in opposition to any plans for high-density housing at Murrough – warning it could place intolerable pressure on the existing community.

Published 17th Apr 2026, 06:00 BST Opposition...a previous protest by residents over traffic issues late last year. RESIDENTS in Renmore have united in opposition to any plans for high-density housing at Murrough – warning it could place intolerable pressure on the existing community. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

A proposed variation to the Galway City Development Plan would rezone 34 hectares of land for up to 2,500 homes, effectively creating a new urban quarter on the eastern edge of the city.

While acknowledging the need for more housing in Galway, the Renmore Community Sustainable Planning Group, the Renmore Residents ’ Association and the Renmore Area Traffic Committee have raised serious concerns about the scale of the proposal and lack of supporting infrastructure.

In its submission, the Renmore Community Sustainable Planning Group said the development is out of character with the area and called for densities to be reduced in line with existing patterns in Renmore.

It also objected to including Renmore within a wider ‘Murrough’ designation, warning this disregards the area’s distinct identity.

The group said the proposal amounts to creating an entirely new urban district and requires far more robust planning around infrastructure, environmental capacity, and integration.

The Renmore Residents’ Association also warned that development on this scale cannot proceed without major investment in infrastructure and services.

It pointed to existing shortfalls in transport, recreation, and education, including a lack of playgrounds and increasing pressure on school places, particularly at secondary level.

It said upgrades to roads, public transport, and walking and cycling infrastructure must be delivered in tandem with any new housing, along with provision for schools , childcare , and utilities.

If they use the access at Galway Crystal, that would be the best outcome for us

Traffic concerns dominate the submission from the Renmore Area Traffic Committee, which warned the development could overwhelm an already overburdened road network.

The committee highlighted long-standing problems with rat-running through residential streets and noted that any new road connections into existing estates would worsen congestion, reduce safety, and undo years of work to tackle traffic volumes.

“We know that house building and apartments have to go ahead for today’s needs, but we would be worried that the community of all the established Renmore areas wouldn’t have to bear any more traffic than they are already bearing with the rat running,” says Traffic Committee Chairman Pat Spelman.

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The committee has also raised concerns about proposed road connections via Gleann Rua and Ballyloughane.

“Even if all those fields were built on it is important that they don’t have access into Gleann Rua,” continues Pat.

“If they use the access at Galway Crystal, that would be the best outcome for us.

” The proposed variation is intended to align the Galway City Development Plan with updated national planning policy and housing targets, including rezoning land for residential use, identifying areas for future development, and updating policies to accelerate housing delivery.

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