Galway 2017

Galway was praised for its initiatives in mobility, biodiversity, land use, waste management, and the promotion of a green economy. Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a harbour city where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts 12 kilometres of coastal area and four beaches, two of which have been designated as ‘Blue Flag Beaches’ in compliance with the 2006 EU Bathing Water Directive.

Galway is a vibrant, diverse university city long known as a hub for the creative arts in Ireland. It is a city rich in cultural heritage, youth and learning and offers an exciting mix of contemporary and traditional cuisine. Its stunning natural environment and high quality of life make it not only a desirable place to live but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to explore both the city and the nearby breathtaking landscapes of western Ireland. As a gateway to the west, Galway embodies the spirit of the European Green Leaf Award and its efforts in sustainability particularly impressed the judges in areas such as mobility, biodiversity, land use and waste management.

In mobility, Galway has made significant strides. In 2012, a 1.7-kilometre section of a primary access road to the west of the city was widened to accommodate bus and cycle lanes in both directions. This upgrade also included wider footpaths and enhanced cyclist and pedestrian priority at intersections along the corridor. For more safety, the raised cycle lanes were separated from vehicular traffic. This project was the first in Ireland to be designed using the Irish National Transport Authority’s Cycle Manual. Additionally, the corridor was the first in Galway to connect with the city’s urban traffic control network, modelled after the ‘UTOPIA/SPOT’ system used in Turin, Italy. These improvements led to rerouting three city bus routes onto the corridor, reducing journey times by three to six minutes. Galway continues to build on this progress as it develops its integrated transport plan.

Despite its compact size, Galway boasts a diverse range of habitats and wildlife. Its varied geology, urban woodlands and proximity to the River Corrib contribute to its rich biodiversity. In 2008, the Irish Heritage Council, in partnership with Galway City Council and key stakeholders, commissioned a draft local biodiversity action plan. This plan was shaped through extensive public consultation, ensuring broad stakeholder participation and local ownership. In 2012, Galway launched the Galway City Biodiversity Website, complemented by active social media accounts to engage the wider community and promote biodiversity awareness.

Galway has also made notable advancements in waste management and the green economy. The city has encouraged waste diversion from landfills through a centralised composting scheme and by applying the ‘polluter pays principle’, introducing pay-by-weight waste disposal services. Following this, the city has shifted its focus to regulation and enforcement, promoting long-term behavioural change. To further reduce food waste, Galway participates in various interactive education and awareness events. One standout initiative is the annual Galway Food Festival, which features cooking demonstrations using leftover ingredients inspired by recipes from the stopfoodwaste.ie cookbook. These events not only raise awareness about food waste reduction but also attract enthusiastic festival-goers, generating positive feedback and encouraging the community to adopt more sustainable practices. 

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For more information on Galway’s environmental initiatives and achievements, you can explore Galway's application, which outlines the city’s sustainability strategies and goals. The EGL 2017 Good Practice Report highlights successful initiatives and best practices implemented by the city. A detailed evaluation of Galway’s performance can be found in the EGLA Technical Assessment Report Award Cycle 2017, while the Galway 1-Year Report provides comprehensive updates on the city’s progress following its European Green Leaf recognition.