Woodquay Park, Galway

PLANNING

Woodquay Park, Galway

MKO secured approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála for Galway City Council to revitalise Woodquay Park into a welcoming and accessible space at the heart of the Woodquay neighbourhood. The expanded park is designed for everyday community use. Safer paths, new seating, a flexible events space, rain gardens, planting, lighting and the Galway Orb provide more opportunities for local residents, schools and visitors to gather, relax, play, enjoy nature and connect with the River Corrib.

Project overview

Woodquay Park is the main green space serving the surrounding neighbourhood. However, its previous layout limited access and opportunities for recreation and social activity. Building on a vision initiated by local residents, Galway City Council appointed MKO to guide the project through the planning and design process. Two rounds of public consultation with residents, schools, businesses and accessibility groups directly informed the design. The extended park incorporates former parking areas, replacing them with spaces for planting, natural play, outdoor events and seating. Step-free paths, safer crossings and improved connections to the surrounding streets make the park accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Rain gardens and pollinator-friendly planting manage rainfall, support biodiversity and provide seasonal interest. The design also carefully considers and ensures the protection of the adjacent River Corrib, and its many overlapping ecological protections, nearby habitats and the area’s heritage.

MKO secured Section 177AE approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála on behalf of Galway City Council in March 2025. Construction began in October 2025 and was substantially completed by September 2026.

Main services provided

01

Planning

Guiding the design, coordinating community consultation, preparing the approval application and environmental reports, and overseeing ecological safeguards during construction.

02

Ecology

Provision of ecological advice, surveys and reporting to ensure respect of the proposed development.

03

Bat surveys

Specialist surveys, activity monitoring, and mitigation advice to support the proposed development, including guidance on best‑practice design measures and NPWS licensing requirements.

04

Environmental

Preparation of a Construction and Environmental Management Plan and advice to the design team.

05

Ecological Clerk of Works

Monitoring of construction activity to ensure compliance with all ecological and environmental mitigation measures, and the successful protection of habitats and protected sites.