To undertake the SEA/AA/SFRA environmental assessments for the preparation of the Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029.

Tender description

Galway City Council is seeking tenders from a suitably qualified multidisciplinary team with expertise in the areas of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) to undertake the SEA/AA/SFRA environmental assessments for the preparation of the Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029. Galway City Council will commence the preparation of the Galway City Development Plan 2023–2029 in January 2021. Galway City has a population of 79,900 (Census 2016), covers an area of 50.5km² and has a coastline of 21km. It is a successful regional city, which contributes greatly to the wider economy. The Development Plan is set within the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the strategic framework established by national and regional plans, policies and guidelines. Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Northern and Western Assembly’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 (RSES) includes objectives to develop Galway City as a regional city and driver of national growth. The city is identified as a place with potential to compete internationally and provide a high quality urban living environment, with significant city centre potential for regeneration. The population target for the city is to reach 102,900 by 2026, an increase of 23,000 from the Census 2016 population of 79,900. Longer term to 2031, the population target is for the city to grow by a further 12,000 to reach a population of 114,900. The appointed consultants will be required to ensure that the City Development Plan meets all requirements as set out in the SEA Directive, the Habitats Directive, relevant case law, national legislation and guidelines, including those published during the plan preparation process, and produce all environmental assessment reports.