GALWAY CITY EUROPEAN GREEN LEAF 2017 Final Report

Contents

Foreword 3

1 Introduction 5

2 Citizen Engagement, Participation & Public Awareness 7

3 Flagship Events & Activities 11

4 Climate Change & Energy Performance 25

5 Mobility 29

6 Biodiversity & Land Use 37

7 Quality of Air & the Acoustic Environment 43

8 Waste Management & the Green Economy 45

9 Water & Wastewater Management 53

10 Budget, Monitoring & Indicators 57

11 Commission Indicators 60

12 Learnings and Outcomes 62

13 Conclusion 64

15 Complementary Strategies and Designations 65

All information correct as of June 2019. For updates on projects included in this report, please see the Galway City Council website www.galwaycity.ie

1 2 Foreword

Galway City was awarded the designation It is our role as the Local Authority charged with the of European Green Leaf from the European management of the Galway City administrative area Commission at an awards ceremony in 2016. The to work with the stakeholders who have protected award was the culmination of decades of activity in our environment to date, to ensure we continue Galway City — by schools, community groups and to experience a high quality place for our children organisations, volunteers, City Councillors and staff and future generations to live in. In the context of — to enhance and protect the environment which increased consumption and climate change, these makes Galway City an attractive place to live, work, will be challenging demands. However, the European and play. Green Leaf award is an indication of how Galway City intends to address these challenges — face on, Galway is a harbour city, on the west coast of and in partnership with the stakeholders who have Ireland, where the river Corrib meets the Atlantic safe–guarded the city to date. Ocean. The city has 12km of coastal area, with a number of urban beaches including two with Blue Flag status. Galway Bay Complex cSAC and Inner Galway Bay SPA (Ramsar Site) are Natura 2000 sites, with a rich display of wildlife throughout the year. The municipal district of Galway City is 53.4 km, with a population of over 79,500 (2016). The National Planning Framework proposes that the population will increase by an additional 45,000 people by 2040.

With an increasing population, Galway City Council will experience an increase in demand for services including transport, housing, waste management, water, recreation and amenity. In turn, population growth and urbanisation will put considerable pressure on natural habitats in our city.

Mr. Brendan McGrath, Cllr. Neil McNelis, Cllr. Pearce Flannery, Cllr. Noel Larkin, Chief Executive Mayor of Galway City, Mayor of Galway City, Mayor of Galway City, 2018—2019 2017—2018 2016—2017

3 1 Introduction

Galway is the first Irish city to be awarded the European Green Leaf designation, and the third city ever to receive the designation.

Mayor of Galway City, Noel Larkin, receives the European Green Leaf plaque from Ms. Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment, European Commission (2016).

4 1 Introduction

In 2016, Galway City was awarded the designation Galway City values these recognitions, and the of European Green Leaf 2017, by the European positive spotlight they put on our city. They inspire Commission. The European Green Leaf Award Galway to achieve more in the area of environmental is open to all towns and cities across Europe management and recognition for the City. with a population of 20,000 up to 100,000 For example, inhabitants. The designation is awarded to cities that demonstrate well–established records of high • Galway recently entered the Top 20 Destinations environmental standards and a commitment to on the Global Destination Sustainability Index at setting ambitious goals for future environmental the ICCA congress in Dubai, out of a total of 46 progress, underpinned by the practical application entries (2018). Galway is the only region in Ireland of sustainable development. to place in the Top 201.

The City of Galway is a vibrant, diverse, cultural, • In November 2018, Galway was named ‘Best City university city. It is a city of learning, a city of youth, in Ireland’ at the Bank of Ireland — Enterprise a city of rich cultural heritage and of stunning Town Awards in Kilkenny, as a result of creative natural environment and quality of life. Located collaboration between the local business groups; just two hours from the Capital of the Republic Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Galway Chamber of Commerce of Ireland, Dublin, Galway City’s population today and the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Níall continues to grow with an influx of new residents McNelis. — Galway City has the title of fastest growing city in Europe, and is the most international city in • Galway City was included in the National Ireland, with 1 in 4 residents born outside the Irish Geographic Traveler Magazine ‘Best Trips 2019’ State. Galway’s Irish name, Gaillimh, is said by some listing, under the Culture Heading. Galway is the to originate from the Irish word, gaill, meaning only Irish city to be included in this list, and one “outsiders” or “foreigners” and the term resonates of only 7 European destinations included in the throughout the city’s history. list of 28 worldwide.

The European Green Leaf designation was awarded The aim of the Municipality of Galway City is to to Galway City on the basis of a bid covering the create a city that people aspire to live in, to work themes of: in and to visit. The awards and recognitions listed above are an important acknowledgement in that 1. Climate Change & Energy Performance regard, and are complementary to our prestigious 2. Mobility Green Leaf designation. 3. Biodiversity & Land Use 4. Quality of Air & the Acoustic Environment This report details Galway’s year as European Green 5. Waste Management & Green Economy Leaf city in 2017, and beyond the designation year 6. Water & Wastewater Management in 2018, when Galway became Chair of the European Green Leaf Network, and really began to build on Galway City is fortunate to have many beautiful projects and initiatives commenced in 2017 as part natural areas and it is vital that these areas are of the designation. The report is thematic in nature, protected, enhanced and conserved. giving a flavour of activity underway in 2017 and 2018.

The European Green Leaf Award was a significant achievement for Galway City, and complementary The original Galway City application, and Judges to the city’s subsequent designations of European Technical feedback, can be accessed at http:// Region of Gastronomy (2018) and European Capital ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/ of Culture (2020), both of which place a strong europeangreenleaf/egl–winning–cities/galway/ emphasis on sustainability.

1 As of November 2018 5 2 Citizen Engagement, Participation & Public Awareness

Communication, citizen engagement, participation and public awareness were crucial forms of engagement throughout the Galway City European Green Leaf designation year and beyond.

6 2 Citizen Engagement, Participation & Public Awareness

A broad range of stakeholders were engaged in the designation – directly implementing initiatives; consulting on the Green Leaf programme; or supporting and partnering for activities. Some of the stakeholders involved in the European Green Leaf programme in Galway City include:

• ALIVE student volunteering office, National • European Region of Gastronomy University of Ireland Galway • Fáilte Ireland • An Mheitheal Rothar • Galway Atlantaquaria • An Taisce Green–Schools • Galway City Community Network • An Taisce Think Before you Flush/Clean Coasts • Galway City Partnership • Bardzo Ladnie Foundation • Galway Convention Bureau • Birdwatch Ireland • Galway Mayo Institute of Technology • Business representative groups/local businesses • Galway2020 • Community and cultural groups including Third • Mayors of Galway City in 2016, 2017 and 2018 Space Galway and Transition Galway • SAOL Café/SCCUL Enterprises • Community University Sustainability Project NUI Galway • Sustainable Travel Working Group NUI Galway

• Elected representatives • The Marine Institute • EPA Green Business/Clean Technology Centre • Youth Work Ireland, Galway.

2.1 Engagement

Engagement with stakeholders took many forms, both in person and virtual. They included:

• Stakeholder Meetings For more in–depth detail on resulting initiatives, please see the thematic Chapters of this report. • Public consultation • Surveys • Seminars and presentations • School workshops and projects • Interaction on social media • Features in the local press and on radio • Participation in events, including the flagship ‘Loving Galway’ Festival 2018

7 8 2.2 Ambassador Role

As an ambassador for European Green Leaf, Galway City Council proudly engaged with stakeholders interested in the designation, both internationally and locally. This included:

• Meeting/interacting with local community and • Facilitating a student tour by Lycée Georges environmental groups and members of the public. Cabanis, Brive–La–Gaillarde, France, in support of their proposed application for the Green Flag • Collaborating with the Galway European Region of award (March 2018)2 Gastronomy team to deliver co–branded events. • Hosting a visiting Health promotion team from • Collaborating and consulting with Galway 2020, Healthy Cities, Riga, Lativia (May 2018). European Capital of Culture. • Attendance at the On the Move Policy Lab • Attendance at GreenFest Torres Vedras 24–26 on Culture and Climate Change, Leeuwarden, March 2017. Netherlands, 3rd & 4th July 2018. • Exchanges with Kerry County Council, Limerick Participation in European Green Week, Brussels City and County Council, and Derry and Strabane • May 2018. District Council regarding potential European Green Leaf applications.

2.3 Marketing Collateral

A suite of marketing and communications resources were developed as part of the designation, including event–specific toolkits, and general branding. An illustration of Galway City by artist Linda Fahrlin of Atlantic Art Studios was commissioned for use as part of the designation and featured on multiple branding tools, including banner stands, social media, and European Green Leaf reusable coffee cups and shopping bags. Local branding was used in conjunction with European Green Leaf branding throughout.

Senator Alice Mary Higgins speaks at the Sustainability Stories Event, National University of Ireland, Galway, November 2017

2 see https://quik.gopro.com/v/MdGL97Jl7G/ 9 10 3 Flagship Events & Activities

This section outlines flagship events and activities which took place as part of the European Green Leaf programme in Galway City in 2017, and as a legacy of the designation in 2018. Section 4 outlines events and activities on a thematic basis, this section covers multi–themed initiatives.

11 3.1 Plaque Unveiling, City Hall

Galway City formally launched the designation year with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the European Green Leaf award in City Hall. The unveiling was presided over by His Worship Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Noel Larkin and Ms. Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment, European Commission, in March 2017. At the same time, City Hall was branded with prominent European Green Leaf insignia, and messaging on the Sustainable Development Goals (pictured below). Permanent road signs on the entrance roads into the city highlighted the designation to road users coming into the city.

Pictured Mr. Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive; His Worship Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Noel Larkin, and Ms. Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment, European Commission.

12 3.2 Sharing Galway’s Sustainability Stories, 15th November 2017

In November 2017, Galway City Council collaborated with the National University of Ireland, Galway, as part of a very significant launch for the University – their first sustainability strategy, building on in–depth consultation within the university community, and following a ‘Live, Learn, Lead’ model. The strategy was launched by Senator Alice Mary Higgins, as part of ‘Sharing Galway’s Sustainability Stories’, which was a showcase of inspirational speakers involved in sustainability across the City of Galway. They included:

• Lieze Fanning, Galway City Council Water Dept: • Eileen O’Connell, Interactions Research: ‘Slow the Flow’ — Water in Galway Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Funded research on attitudes to energy and the • Mark Kelly, Lecturer, Galway Mayo Institute of environment — Galway’s responses Technology: Dublin Road — Green Campus story • Barry Dillon, Venture Out: Working with young • Tiarnan McCusker, Travel Officer, Green–Schools people through outdoor education Ireland: Green–Schools in Galway • Lynda Huxley, Swift Conservation Ireland/ • Tim Folan, EH&S Department, Ingersoll Rand Heritage Council/GMIT: Saving Galway’s Swifts — Thermo King: Zero Waste achievements, harvesting rain water & reducing energy use in Thermo King Galway

• Philippa Maguire, Maguire’s Mugs: Tackling plastic waste

This event took place in the prestigious O’Donoghue Theatre, NUI Galway on the morning of the 15th of November 2017. The showcase of inspiring speakers and networking was followed by a guided tour of NUI Galway’s new Biodiversity Trail, which was part–funded by Galway City Council as part of the European Green Leaf designation. The event was fully booked, and was very positively received.

13 3.3 Legacy Workshop, 26th January 2018

As a key part of stakeholder engagement in the Funding was awarded to: European Green Leaf designation, Galway City Council and Galway City Community Network held 1. City Nursery project a joint ‘Legacy Project Workshop’ in January 2018. 2. National Urban Park proposal/Green Blue Trails Galway City Community Network is the network of social inclusion, environmental and voluntary groups 3. Mapping – community/green mapping proposals active in Galway City. As the Public Participation 4. Green Festival for Galway Network for Galway City, the role of GCCN is to support civil society and community representation 5. Hydro energy project on the canals/energy of groups in the decision–making structures of efficiency project Galway City. 6. Youth Zero Waste Seminar

The purpose of the Legacy Project Workshop was Projects were progressed throughout 2018, with to explore the development of a strategic approach some progressing further than others in the year. to environmental sustainability in Galway City with One of the highlights of the Legacy projects, the a particular focus on identifying potential Green Loving Galway Festival (see below), took place in Leaf legacy projects to support in 2018. A budget September 2018. Mapping workshops, the Youth of €10,000 was earmarked for implementation of Work Ireland Galway Zero Waste summit, and the successful projects in 2018. Representatives an Energy Coop meeting took place as part of from City Council, the GCCN Environmental Linkage the festival. Further development is required to group, Galway2020, and environmental groups progress the City Nursery, in order to identify across the city attended. an appropriate location and resources to staff/ develop a project of this nature. The event was very well received, with 11 projects pitched by participants. Participants voted on those they felt would have the most impact, and were realistic and deliverable within the proposed budget and timeframe. This led to 6 projects being developed further for consideration for funding.

Participants pitch their projects, and vote on the proposals

14 3.4 National Seminar – ‘Green Your Gathering’

Galway is a cultural, creative city – with festivals of Gastronomy, and Fáilte Ireland. The seminar and events throughout the year celebrating film, was a mix of plenary talks and networking, with the arts, sports, and business. Festivals and events speakers including: Ben Twist – Creative Carbon are ‘temporary towns’, where the average visitor Scotland; Karen Foley, Clare Co. Co; Dr Frances can generate up to 2.3kgs of waste per day – more Fahy, NUI Galway; Rob Rankin, Vagabond Tours; and than the average citizen3. With the development Chris Johnson, Kambe Events/Powerful Thinking/ of the Wild Atlantic Way branding and route, and Shamballa Festival UK. the awarding of the 2018 European Region of Gastronomy and Galway2020 Capital of Culture The National Seminar was followed with a strategic designations, Galway will experience increasing planning meeting of Galway City Council, Galway numbers of visitors in the coming years. County Council, European Region of Gastronomy and Galway2020 on Friday 20th April 2018. The At a local and national level, for cities and towns focus of the meeting was supporting sustainable to flourish with greater visitor numbers, those events in Galway, with Chris Johnson, of Kambe hosting and organising events, meetings and Events, speaking with participants and sharing ideas. festivals will need to have a greater role in reducing the environmental impact of these activities. The This meeting led to the discussion for a proposal Green Your Gathering seminar was designed to for a pilot project involving one city business give practical insights and support to organisers association, and a county town, to take on focused and hosts, to increase their capacity to incorporate environmental management activities in support of sustainability into their policies and practices. European Region of Gastronomy and Galway2020. This proposal was submitted to the Environmental The Green Your Gathering national seminar (19th Protection Agency Local Authority Prevention April 2018) was organised by Galway City Council, Network for funding, and was successful. This as part of the European Green Leaf designation, project will progress through 2018/2019. in partnership with Galway 2020, European Region

3 https://www.amsterdam–dance–event.nl/program/2017/designing–out–waste–how–to–become–a–circular–festival–presented–by–dgtl/5153639/

15 3.5 Loving Galway Festival 2018 – Celebrating our Green & Blue Spaces

The Loving Galway Festival builds on decades of activity by the City’s environmental community and is a legacy of Galway’s European Green Leaf designation in 2017.

The first ‘Loving Galway’ sustainability festival • Youth Work Ireland Galway ‘Zero Waste’ Youth ran from the 20–30th of September 2018, in Seminar on the 26th of September. celebration of the ‘Green and Blue’ spaces breathing • Galway Environmental Network workshop on life into Galway City. The festival is a unique participatory planning. collaboration between Galway City Council, Galway City Community Network, NUI Galway, Galway • Guided walks of the coast, the canals, and the Mayo Institute of Technology, LAWCO, Galway ‘boreens’ Environmental Network, Youth Work Ireland Galway, • An exhibition celebrating 18 years of Art projects Green–Schools, Galway Waterways, and community in Terryland Forest Park; and environmental groups across the city. • Yoga in Merlin Woods, and storytelling in Over 60 events took place over 10 days, with a Quincentennial Park flavour of highlights of the festival including: • Galway Green SOUP crowdfunding night for • ‘greening’ Culture Night with community events environmental projects across the city; • Photography competition and exhibition in • ‘Ideas for a Beautiful Planet’ – a high level seminar Ballybane Resource Centre on the 23rd of September featuring Prof. John • ‘Kidicle Mass’ family cycle and funday celebrating Sweeney (Maynooth University), Duncan Stewart cycling the city (environmental and sustainability Producer and Caddis fly trapping, bat walks and other Presenter), Janice Fuller (Consultant Ecologist) • interactions with nature and the natural and Hans Visser (Biodiversity Officer, Fingal environment, and a County Council); • Galway Bright Club comedy event • Partnering with the Galway International Oyster Festival to programme a day of workshops, talks The festival was very positively received, and it is and displays, at the family funday on Sunday 30th anticipated that it will continue in future years. September.

Launch of the festival by the Mayor of Galway City Cllr Níall McNelis.

16 Speakers at Ideas for a Beautiful Planet.

Activities and speakers at the Galway International Oyster Festival.

17 3.6 European Green Leaf Network

In 2018, Galway became the Chair of the European Green Leaf Network.

The European Green Leaf Network (EGLN) is a network of past and present Green Leaf winners and those shortlisted for the award. The European Green Leaf Network provides its members with the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from other city administrations who have a similar high level of ambition and commitment to the environment.

Meetings are themed, with Waste Management and the Green Economy proposed as the topic for the Galway meeting on 21/22 February 2018, with Pictured are delegates at the workshop in City Hall, and doing a site funding secured from the TAIEX–EIR PEER tour of the composting facilities at Barna Recycling. 2 PEER funding stream of the European Commission. Cities represented at this meeting included Cornellá de Llobregat (Spain), Leeuven (Belgium), Mollet del Vallés (Spain), Torres Vedras (Portugal), and Växjö (Sweden).

Feedback from the EGL Network Meeting on 21/22 February was collated by the European Commission in March 2018. Feedback was positive, with 100% of respondents agreeing that:

• the programme was well structured • the key issues related to the topics were addressed.

91% agreed that the workshop enabled them to improve their knowledge.

18 L to R Workshop materials from Green Week 2018; Galway City Green Leaf officials Ms. Fiona Coen and Ms. Sharon Carroll, with other representatives from European Green Leaf cities.

Other interactions with the European Green Leaf Network include:

• Mollet de Valles European Green Leaf Network meeting, November 2016

• Torres Vedras European Green Leaf Network meeting, March 2017

• European Green Leaf Network meeting in Torres Vedras, Portugal, as part of the CIVITAS forum September 2017.

• European Green Leaf Network meeting in Brussels in May 2018

• Information sharing with network cities in initiatives in the Galway EGL programme Reusable cups, made by the EGL Network representatives on their visit to Galway in February 2018. • Exchanges by email/telephone

19 3.7 Galway City Mayors Awards 2017

The Mayors Awards are a yearly initiative by Galway included in the Mayor’s Awards. This was the City Council to acknowledge voluntary work carried Environmental Sustainability Award. The winners out by people within Galway City. The awards of the inaugural awards in May 2018 were Friends acknowledge outstanding people and organisations of Merlin Woods. Merlin Woods is a large urban that, through their commitment to participating in woodland located on the eastern edge of Galway unpaid community and voluntary activities, have City. This beautiful urban woodland greatly enhances made a significant impact on the quality of their the Galway cityscape and is a haven for wildlife. communities in Galway City. Merlin Woods is currently the largest area of Each year nominations are sought under various woodland around Galway City and therefore is of high categories e.g. Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cursai conservation importance. Friends of Merlin Woods is Gaeilge; Residents and Local Areas; Social & a voluntary community group promoting the positive Community Service. In 2018, a new category was use of Merlin Woods and its connected meadow lands.

Students from Coláiste Einde planting their mini-orchard.

Children from Knocknacarra N.S. standing in their mini-orchard.

20 3.8 Schools

Air Bee and Bee, St Pat’s Boys National School.

Galway City Schools continue to be an inspiration with regard to environmental protection and management.

All schools in Galway city are registered for the • Scoil Ide Ardnamara represented Galway City at Green–Schools environmental management the launch of the national Coast Watch report programme (39 no. schools). In 2017 and 2018, 2018, with a focus on plastic–free initiatives, 23 schools received their Green Flags at the annual following on their participation in Plastic Free Green–Schools Awards Ceremony. 14 Schools were Week 2018. awarded in 2017 and an additional 7 Green Flags • St Nicholas Primary School launched the 2018 were awarded to Galway City schools in 2018. Plastic Free Week in Eyre Square, with the Mayor Other highlights include: of Galway City.

• St Pat’s Boys National School (N.S.) received a • Galway Community College ran Junk Kouture national Repak award for their school garden. workshops, teaching students skills to repair and reimagine their clothing, as well as thinking about • St Pat’s Boys N.S. and Galway Educate Together the impacts of ‘fast fashion. N.S. participated in a ‘Seedbomb’ promotion, encouraging children to plant wildflower meadows • Six schools participated in a mini–orchard scheme, instead of throwing litter. planting apple trees and supporting pollination in the city. • St Mary’s College, Galway, reintroduced a Horticulture programme in 2018 for transition year students, as part of the Earth Sciences curriculum.

21 3.9 Grants

Galway City Council made grants available throughout 2017 and 2018, to support local groups and organisations to engage in environmental projects as part of European Green Leaf.

These included:

• Bardzo Ladnie Foundation – Forest Days festival • Support of Community Gardens in Galway City in May 2017, with Galway2020 and Friends of (through funding of polytunnels, planting etc.) Merlin Woods, in support of Biodiversity Week • Biodiversity educational events by Friends of • Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Green Merlin Woods Campus and Sustainable Energy Communities • Convergence Sustainable Living Festival 2017 Day 2017 • Green–Schools Ireland Climate Action Week Branching Out Teenage Forest School • events 2017 Programme • Youth Work Ireland fashion upcycling programme Green Horizons series of interactive community • for secondary school students, raising awareness workshops exploring environmental topics in of the true cost of fast fashion and empowering Westside Resource Centre young people with the skills to upcycle and repair • ReCupán Galway Campaign – campaign to clothes promote reusable beverage cups to reduce waste • Workshops with Sew Last Season, Galway’s Social in cafes Sewing Space, in the newly established Galway • Youth Work Ireland, Galway – Youth Summit on Artisan Workshop, as part of Reuse Month 2018. Climate Change 2017 and 2018 • ‘One Small Change’ project by Galway • Go Wild in Galway – a celebration of Galway’s Atlantiquarium and artist Oonagh Herbert – natural heritage, showcasing the wonders of focusing on plastic use and disposal and the wildlife in Galway, 2017 & 2018 marine (pictured above).

22 3.10 Environmental Inspections

Galway City Council participates in a programme of annual environmental monitoring, as part of the RMCEI requirements of the European Union.

Monitoring takes place in order to identify and prioritise enforcement activities, so that Galway City Council can effectively and efficiently comply with its obligations under all environmental legislation. This includes inspections to be carried out under the Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended, the European Communities Act 1972 as amended, Water Pollution Acts 1977 and 1990, the Air Pollution Act 1987, Derelict Sites Act 1990, Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended, and the Planning & Development Act 2000 as amended. These inspections are in addition to inspections required in response to complaints received and incidents of environmental pollution that may arise.

Enforcement Priorities for 2017 Investigations, inspections and monitoring undertaken in 2017 focused on solving long–term Water and recurring non–compliance issues including • Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems investigation, assessment, and close out of Inspections (in accordance with the National complaints received by the City Council in previous Inspection Plan) years. The priorities for 2017, having regard to Water quality improvement in the Terryland River National priorities as identified by the Environmental • Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of • Galway City Council’s Oil/ Hazardous & Noxious the Environment Heritage and Local Government Substance Spill Contingency Plan (DOECLG), Regional priorities and Local priorities were as follows: Air Waste • ‘Smoky Coal Enforcement’ – continued • Household Waste Management Compliance enforcement and awareness activities in relation (including brown bin and waste bags) to the burning, and sale of bituminous/non– smokeless coal. Increased enforcement of the • Tyres (Producers Responsibility Initiative) (When issuing of fixed penalty notices. Continue the new regulations come into effect) general awareness campaign of informing the • Illegal Dumping (Including Construction and public of the legislation and the risks to health Demolition Waste) / CCTV Monitoring of Bring associated with burning bituminous coal, to reduce Banks the demand for banned fuels

• Pilot Targeted Packaging Enforcement Project Q2 • Solvents/deco paints/petroleum vapours – & Q3 (Circular WP08/16) improved regulation of sector in functional area

23 3.10.1 Performance Framework for Local Authorities

The 2017 Performance Framework Report awarded Galway City Council an overall grade for 2016 of ‘Excellent’. The national average in 2016 was ‘Above Average’.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed a Performance THE NATIONAL AVERAGE Framework to measure the performance of local authorities in 2016 GRADE ACHIEVED IS delivering their environmental enforcement activities. Local authorities ABOVE AVERAGE provide data annually and the EPA report on the Framework since 2014. Exceptional

The purpose of the Framework is to assist local authorities in Outstanding implementing programmes of continual improvement in the areas Excellent of environmental enforcement and inspection. By providing local National Above Target Average and national comparative data, a local authority can benchmark 2016 their own enforcement processes and plan for making performance Target improvements. Below Target The EPA has published two previous reports, in 2015 and 2016, on Minimum Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance. These reports summarise and grade the performance of local authorities’ Unsatisfactory enforcement activities compared to a baseline performance level. Most Unacceptable recently, the EPA published the 2017 report that looks at trends over the three–year cycle (2014 to 2016). THE NATIONAL AVERAGE 2015 GRADE ACHIEVED WAS TARGET Further details regarding the Framework and copies of the annual reports and individual local authority Assessment Reports are THE NATIONAL AVERAGE 2014 GRADE ACHIEVED WAS available on the EPA website at http://www.epa.ie/enforcement/pa/ TARGET performanceframework/

2016 Overall Grade for Galway City Council:

‘Excellent’

This indicates very good performance, with a number of areas of strength. This is also above the national average assessment of ‘Above Target’.

Galway City Council’s results in 2015 was ‘Target’ and in 2014 was ‘Excellent’

Enforcement Area Summary Assessments:

Enforcement PRI & Food Waste Water Air Systems Waste

2016 Above Target Outstanding N /A Target Target

2015 Excellent Excellent N /A Below Target Unacceptable

2014 Excellent Target N /A Above Target Target

Highest Achievable Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding Above Target Exceptional Grade

24 4 Climate Change & Energy Performance

A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is being developed for Galway City, and is due to go to public consultation in summer 2019.

25 4.1 Climate Change Strategy

A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is being In 2018, Officials from Galway City Council participated developed for Galway City. The Strategy is in a number of workshops on Climate Change envisaged to include plans for mitigation and Adaption organised by Climate Ireland and the Climate adaption as follows: Action Regional Office (CARO) in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The CARO in Castlebar was setup in 2018, Galway City Climate Change Local Adaption Plan, with a role of co–ordinating climate action of local and Galway City Climate Change Local Mitigation authorities in the Atlantic Seaboard North Region; Plan, comprising of Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Mayo County Council, Sligo County Council and Donegal • Baseline Energy and Greenhouse Gas Balance for County Council. Internal Workshops in Galway City Galway City Council will also take place to review the impacts • Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan of previous extreme weather events and assess (SECAP) for Galway City potential future impacts of climate change on the delivery of all services provided by the council. • Renewable Energy Strategy for Galway City.

In December 2018, Galway City Council held its Progress is being made on scoping what should first internal workshop to draw together internal be included in a Climate Change Strategy for stakeholders to contribute to the preparation of Galway City. There has been a literature review of the draft Climate Change Local Adaption Strategy other existing local authorities’ plans, the EPA’s for Galway City. The draft Strategy is to be fully Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development developed in early 2019, with a public consultation Guideline, National Plans and Frameworks for on the draft Strategy expected to be held in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption, National summer 2019. Following conclusion of the public Policy as per the Climate Action and Low Carbon consultation, the draft strategy will be brought Development Act 2015 and European best practice, to the Council (Elected Representatives) for i.e. Covenant of Mayors. consideration for adoption in September 2019.

26 4.2 Energy Efficiency and 2020 Targets

Galway City Council is a Public Sector Body with • All buildings with floor area greater than 500m2 obligations and targets under the National Energy or an energy spend of greater than €35,000 Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), the European must have an energy audit completed every Communities (Energy End–Use Efficiency and 4–years by a Registered Energy Auditor Energy Services) Regulations 2009, and SI 426 of • Large organisations (>250 employees) to have 2014, including; completed either an organisational energy • Achieving a 33% target for energy efficiency audit or demonstrate that the organisation is improvement on a baseline year of 2009 by the implementing an approved energy management end of 2020. system.

• Provide information in annual reports, a statement describing the actions it is taking to Galway City Council is a member of the Public improve its energy efficiency and an assessment Sector Energy Partnership Programme and is of its progress towards the 33% target. reporting annually to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on progress. • Implement energy–efficient procurement practices

• All public buildings with gross internal floor areas greater than 250m2 are required to have Display Energy Certificates in prominent places clearly visible to the public

Progress on achieving the 33% target – Energy Performance Indicator (EnPI)

Base 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2020 Year Target EnPI 100 86.3 92.9 85.6 84.2 79.3 66.0 70.8 71.3 69.7 67.0

Base Year taken as average of 2006, 2007 and 2008.

120 Actual

Target 90 Glidepath

60

30 Normalised EnPI

0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

27 Energy Use and Energy Efficiency Indicators

Indicator Units 2016 2017 2018 Organisation Energy Use Total Final Consumption GWh 14.3 14.5 No data

Total Primary Energy GWh 24.0 23.4 No data

Energy Efficiency Performance Indicator – 71.3 69.7 No data

Sub Category – Buildings Buildings owned and leased nr 51 49 49

Energy Audits Completed nr 0 1 1

Number of public buildings with Display Energy Certificates on display nr 1 1 8

Total Floor Area of public buildings with Display Energy Certificates on display m2 4,987 4,987 20,181

Total Final Consumption Thermal GWh 3.8 4.5 No data

Total Final Consumption Electricity GWh 2.5 2.3 No data

Total Primary Energy GWh 9.5 9.5 No data % On–site Renewable Energy % 0 0 No data Deep Retrofits of Social Housing completed nr 1,127 70 No data

Sub Category – Public Lighting & Traffic Installations public lights nr 9,200 9,200 9,200

Nr of LED Lights nr 692 847 1,109

% LED lights nr 8% 9% 12%

Total Final Consumption GWh 4.9 4.8 No data

Total Primary Energy GWh 10.7 10.5 No data

Sub Category – Transportation Fuel Consumed in Delivery of Services GWh 2.76 2.72 No data

% Renewable Fuel % 2.1% 2.9% No data

Sub Category – Waste & Other Processes Total Final Consumption GWh 0.5 0.3 No data

Total Primary Energy GWh 1.0 0.7 No data

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Indicator Units 2016 2017 2018 Organisation Energy Use t CO2 5,273 4,869 No data

Sub Category – Buildings t CO2 2,031 1,969 No data

Sub Category – Public Lighting & Traffic Installations t CO2 2,434 2,458 No data

Sub Category – Transportation t CO2 649 632 No data

Sub Category – Waste & Other Processes t CO2 159 190 No data

28 5 Mobility

Galway City Council & Galway County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, have developed the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS), an Integrated Transport Strategy for Galway City & Environs.

29 5.1 Transport Strategy Progress

Galway City Council & Galway County Council, in motorised traffic from the core city centre. The partnership with the National Transport Authority, GCCTMP is currently at design stage with the have developed the Galway Transport Strategy emerging preferred routes being agreed at present. (GTS), an Integrated Transport Strategy for Galway It is expected that the Plan will be submitted for City & Environs. The GTS sets out a series of actions planning in quarter two 2019. and measures, covering infrastructural, operational and policy elements to be implemented in Galway The Dublin Road Bus Corridor over the next 20 years and sets out a framework to The Dublin Road Bus Corridor is currently at deliver the projects in a phased manner. design stage and forms part of the proposed bus network as outlined in the GTS. The Dublin The Galway Transport Strategy is ongoing with the Road Bus Corridor aims to provide dedicated bus following projects currently being progressed: and cycle facilities in both direction along the old Dublin road between the Martin Roundabout and N6 Galway City Ring Road Moneenageisha junction. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement for the N6 Galway City Local Road Schemes and Junction Upgrades Ring Road (GCRR) have been submitted to An Bord A number of local road schemes and junction Pleanála. The statutory process has commenced and upgrades are progressed and ongoing. Any work legal notification has been posted to all property undertaken within the City takes cognisance of owners from whom property is to be acquired and the public transport, cycle and walking network as those with a legal interest in those lands. outlined in the strategy.

Galway City Centre Transport Management Plan The Galway City Centre Transport Management Plan (GCCTMP) aims to remove non–essential

Bike Week in Galway and Bike Scheme in Galway.

30 5.2 Expansion of Coca–Cola Zero Bike Rental Scheme

The National Transport Authority and Coca–Cola Zero extended the Bike Rental Scheme in Galway City in September 2017

The Coca–Cola Zero Bike Share Scheme was • Westside Shopping Centre on Seamus Quirke expanded with the construction of eight new Road; stations bringing the total number of stations in • Dublin Road, at Glenina Heights, opposite Bon Galway City to 23. Secours Hospital

The new stations are located at the following • Dublin Road at GMIT. locations: Following the introduction of the additional 8 • NUIG, where 3 sites have been identified across stations the number of journey undertaken on the the campus; Galway bike scheme increased by 73% to 23,706 trips. The new stations have been amongst the most • University Hospital; popular since they opened. • Galway Shopping Centre at Bodkin junction;

31 5.3 European Mobility Week

Galway City Council participates in European Mobility A number of events were organised by Galway Week on an annual basis (http://www.mobilityweek. City Council as part of mobility week including: eu/) . The aim of the City Council is to support and • Go Car Carsharing Scheme launch (2018) organise activities and events which promote and contribute to a shift towards sustainable urban • Car–Free Day (2017 & 2018) transport. • City Centre Cycles (2017 & 2018).

In Ireland, European Mobility Week is promoted by Further information on the 2018 initiatives is Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTAS). outlined below, to give a flavour of the type The Department strongly encourage local authorities of events and promotions Galway City Council to use the Week to test new transport measures and supports on an annual basis. get feedback from the public.

5.4 Launch of Go Car Carsharing scheme

As part of European Mobility Week and supported Up to 11 cars have been approved for the pilot by the Department of Transport, Tourism and and these will be parked at nominated locations Sport, Galway City Council launched a car sharing in Galway City such as City Hall Car Park, Dyke pilot project being advanced by GoCar Ireland in Road Car Park, Greyhound/Sports Ground partnership with the City Council. Car Park, Mill Street Car Park, Raven Terrace Car Park, Cathedral car Park, Salthill Car Park, Carsharing allows people to hire cars for as little Bowling Green Car Park, Rockbarton Road as an hour using an online booking system or (Leisureland), Woodquay Car Park, Seamus smart phone app to reserve the vehicle and in–car Quirke Road (back of Hospital) and Ceannt Train technology to unlock and drive the car. Car Sharing Station. has been proven to replace between 10–15 private cars, as well as increasing the use of public transport.

32 5.5 Car–Free Day

The 22nd September is European Car–Free Day and is part of Mobility Week.

Cities carry out a Car–Free Day event by closing one ‘Kidicall Mass’ Cycle or more streets to traffic and instead opening it to As part of car free day a ‘Kidicall Mass’ cycle was pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. A total organised by Tiernan McCusker, Green–Schools of 218 cities/towns across Europe have registered Travel Officer with An Taisce Environmental to participate in Car–Free day in 2018 and will be Education Unit; in conjunction with the West End closing a street to cars on Friday 22nd September. Traders and Galway City Council.

Galway City Road Closure This family Cycle commenced at Fr. Burke Park Galway City Council participated again in 2017 with taking the following route: Fr. Griffin Road, Wolfe the closure of Foster Street and Eglington Street Tone Bridge, Flood Street, Cross Street, O’Brien’s to private cars. This closure is a permanent measure Bridge, Mill Street, Presentation Church, and Down included in our Galway Transportation Strategy the Canal, back to Dominick Street and finally back (GTS). The closure took place from 10am to 2pm. to Fr. Burke Park.

IDA Mervue Car Free Day On Tuesday 18th September 2018 the IDA Mervue hosted a Car Free Day. IDA Business Park Mervue Employees were encouraged to leave their cars at home and to try walking, cycling, public transport or car–sharing on that day. Incentives to promote the day included:

• Free bike maintenance service • Warm up classes • Free hi–vis accessories • Personalised journey planning information • Health information

City Centre Cycle As part of European Mobility Week and during the Car–Free day, Galway City Council once again organised a city centre cycle, this time for secondary school pupils. The cycle was organised in conjunction with the Gardaí, Civil Defence and An Taisce Green–Schools.

33 5.6 National Bike Week

The Galway Bike Festival takes place on an annual basis, for one week in June.

The event which is funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is now in its tenth year (as of 2018). The Galway Bike Festival promotes cycling for everyone, supports a dynamic cycling culture in the city and county and aims to increase the number of cyclists in Galway. Galway Bike Festival is a celebration of all that is great about cycling – it’s good for your health, good for the city, and good for the environment.

The event features a broad range of different events catering for beginners, second time around cyclists, leisure bikers, and the more serious bicycle enthusiasts. The festival endeavours to attract and encourage cyclists, particularly new cyclists of all age groups to discover the enjoyment and benefits of cycling, promoting a sustainable, healthy and low–carbon means of travel.

The programme includes free bike checks, fun cycles, lunchtime city cycles, heritage cycles, bike maintenance workshops, cycling events for young adults and children with physical disabilities, school cycling events and much more. Organised by Galway City Council and Galway County Council, community groups, charities and cycling groups, there was an event for every age and ability, with cycling events taking place throughout the week all over Galway.

Galway Bike Festival is an opportunity for people to get back in the saddle and reduce their carbon footprint.

34 5.7 NUI Galway Coke Bikes Promotion September 2018

The National Transport Authority launched the Coca–Cola Zero bikes at NUI Galway on Wednesday 13th September at the SU Freshers’ Fair. Coca–Cola hosted free spin classes for the students of NUI Galway to celebrate the launch and on the day students and employees of NUIG were offered free membership to the bike scheme. Refreshments were also served.

All Ireland Chamption hurler Gearóid McInerney launches the bike scheme in NUIG, September 2018.

5.8 Park ‘n’ Stride

Park ‘n’ Stride is an initiative by Galway City Council and An Taisce Green Schools and has been running since 2013. Park ‘n’ Stride works by encouraging parents to park in nearby designated car parks free of charge for a short period of time, while they walk or scoot their children to school. This initiative alleviates school gate congestion while children and parents get some physical exercise on the way to and from school.

5.9 Christmas Park & Ride

Aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Galway City in the run up to Christmas, Galway City Council operates the Christmas Park & Ride Service during December from Ballybrit Racecourse to the City Centre on an annual basis. Park and Ride offers a number of advantages to customers over car travel whether working, shopping or socialising in Galway City at Christmas time. The high frequency of buses, competitive pricing and the faster journey time using the bus lanes, make the journey stress–free and reliable.

35 36 6 Biodiversity & Land Use

The awarding of the European Green Leaf for 2017 to the city recognises the Council’s ongoing commitment to improved environmental outcomes and awareness.

37 6.1 Galway City Development Plan

The awarding of the The strategic goals of Galway City Development European Green Leaf for Plan relate to quality of life; sustainability; protection of the natural environment; 2017 to the city recognises innovation and economic development; equality the Council’s ongoing and inclusivity; climate change adaptation commitment to improved and mitigation; integration of land use and transportation and civic engagement. environmental outcomes These goals provide for direction with regard to the land use and awareness. policies and objectives in the plan and all developments are assessed against the benchmark of these goals and policies. The City Development Plan which came Strategic environmental assessment and appropriate into effect in 2017 for a six year period assessment was carried out in tandem with the development refers to the Green Leaf status for the city. plan to ensure environmental matters were considered at all The plan includes 7 strategic goals which stages in the plan process. Strategic Flood Risk assessment represent the priorities of the Council in was also undertaken. The implementation of the plan will respect of the future development and use include for ongoing environmental monitoring through the of land and resources in the city. strategic environmental assessment process.

6.2 Local Area Plan Ardaun

In 2018, Galway City Council adopted a Local Area Plan for Ardaun. This area in the east of the city is designated to accommodate significant future population growth in the city. The Local Area Plan sets out a framework for the development of a high quality living and working neighbourhood based on sustainable principles.

The plan aims to ensure that the growth of Ardaun includes for a variety of homes, community facilities, high quality open spaces and public realm. It includes for measures to support enhanced biodiversity and sustainable urban drainage systems. It supports the use of sustainable transportation, low carbon energy and green design.

The plan is the product of extensive environmental assessment through the strategic environmental assessment process and the appropriate assessment process. It also included significant collaboration and engagement with stakeholders and the public.

The implementation of the plan will include for ongoing environmental monitoring through the strategic environmental assessment process, though a programme of active land management and though the ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders and the emerging new community.

38 6.3 Community Gardens Harvest Celebration Seminar

Galway City Council hosted the Community Gardens Harvest Celebration Seminar, on Friday 20th of October 2017, in conjunction with Let’s Get Galway Growing and Galway City Partnership.

Speakers at Community Gardens Harvest Celebration Seminar.

This event was organised with the support of to share knowledge on growing local, organic European Region of Gastronomy and Healthy produce that supports biodiversity and pollination. Ireland. Galway became the European Region of Gastronomy in 2018, recognising Galway’s Speakers included: reputation as a top food destination and Charles Dowding – an acclaimed innovator of ‘no source of high quality food both nationally and dig’, organic growing. Dr Colin Sage, Chair of the internationally. Sustainability is a key theme of Cork Food Policy Council Steering Committee, and Galway’s designation. Dee Sewell, Community Gardens Ireland. Over 130 people registered for the event. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the large number of volunteers engaged in community The event was very well received by attendees, and gardens in the city; to encourage new volunteers supported the establishment of the Galway Healthy to join the gardens; and to offer a large scale event Food Policy Council.

6.4 Growing in Small Spaces, Finding in Wild Spaces

The Growing in Small Spaces, Finding in Wild Spaces seminar (26th April 2018) was organised in conjunction with Galway City Partnership and Healthy Ireland, in support of European Region of Gastronomy 2018 and the newly–formed Galway Food Policy Council.

The event was a celebration of urban food growing and foraging, encouraging those living in the city to use the space and skills they have to grow food, and support pollinators.

Speakers included Mark Ridsdill–Smith, from Vertical Veg in the UK, and Kathleen McMahon, a forager and food producer from Black River Wild Foods. Over 100 people signed up for the event, Speakers at Growing in Small Spaces, Finding in Wild Space which was very well received. seminar.

39 6.5 NUI Galway – University Biodiversity Trail

As part of the launch of the NUI Galway put together the information, Bioblitz events in Sustainability Strategy, Galway City Council previous years collating data (between 43—45 supported the design and print of leaflets and a people in 2015 and 2016 surveyed moths, bats storyboard panel for the new NUIG Biodiversity caddisflies, birds butterflies, bees, bugs and small Trail. This trail complements the existing University mammals over a 24 hour period), and student and Trail in NUI Galway. staff time. The Community University Sustainability Project part–funded this project. The nature trail leaflet was developed to guide people through the natural environments and For more information, see http://www.nuigalway.ie/ habitats that make NUI Galway’s riverside campus biodiversitytrail/ so special, and that are also used for both research and teaching within the campus community. The campus grounds are a haven for people and nature. They provide the city with green spaces to relax, to destress, to problem solve, to feel restored and take exercise.

The biodiversity leaflet/ storyboards were developed to enrich people’s experience of a city campus that is rich in nature, increase the number of people using the campus grounds and raise awareness of campus biodiversity. Significant resources were invested by NUIG to develop this trail, including an intern working for 10 weeks to

6.6 Galway City Biodiversity Story Maps

Building on the NUIG Biodiversity Trail resource The Galway City Biodiversity Story Maps showcase which focuses on the NUIG campus, Galway City the biodiversity and green spaces of Galway City, Council worked with Birdwatch Ireland to develop focusing on looped trails around the city, in Barna Biodiversity Story Maps for Galway City. Story Woods, Rusheen Park and Silver Strand; and the maps are a simple yet powerful tools to inform and city centre canal and river walk to Nimmo’s Pier. engage with a target audience to disseminate spatial The story maps will be available as a bilingual specific information using an interactive map with resource in 2019. narrative text, images and multimedia content.

40 6.7 Schools Mini–Orchard Scheme 2018

Students from Coláiste Einde planting their mini-orchard.

Schools in Galway City were offered the opportunity to start their own ‘mini orchard’ in 2017/ 2018. The scheme supports schools to demonstrate local food growing to the school community; provide apples for use in class as a learning resource; contribute to schools’ biodiversity, enhanced amenity and environment; and contribute to enhanced air quality through tree planting.

6 schools requested trees, which were planted by the students in February/March 2018. Children from Claddagh N.S. planting their apple trees.

6.8 Natural and Human Heritages – Lecture Series

Researchers in the National University of Ireland, 8 weekly talks included topics such as Climate Galway, supported the Green Leaf programme Change, prehistoric farming, soil loss and the in Galway City through sharing insights and their development of a Karst landscape in western Ireland; research, as part of a spring lunchtime Lecture Low Carbon Energy Communities in Irish Islands; Series in the Town Hall Theatre, from Friday 20th Fishing for Consensus on Ireland’s Salmon Farms and January to Friday 10th March 2018. Irish Winter Climates: From Storms to Frost and Back again among others.

41 42 7 Quality of Air & the Acoustic Environment

43 7.1 Air Quality Monitoring

Air Quality has been monitored in Galway impacts of climate change on air quality. The City since 2006, with data recorded at an air Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are quality monitoring station located at the Bodkin Ireland’s National Agency overseeing Air Pollution. Roundabout. Galway City Council meet with the The National University of Ireland (NUIG) have been Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National involved in monitoring and reporting air quality at University of Ireland and Public Analyst Laboratory the air quality monitoring station at the Bodkin (Health Service Executive) on an annual basis to Roundabout. discuss air quality in the City and the potential

7.2 Air Quality Monitoring “Suburban Traffic” Sites

The Bodkin Roundabout will be upgraded to a expected to be completed in 2019. The upgrade “Suburban Traffic Site” for reporting air quality when completed will have real–time monitoring under the Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for with the data gathered made available to the Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/EC) 2008. In public through the EPA’s Air Quality National 2018, Galway City Council and the EPA commenced Monitoring Network. planning and design of the upgrade, which is

7.3 Air Quality Monitoring “Suburban Background” Sites

In 2018, Galway City Council installed a new national importance. Data recorded at the station “Suburban Background” air monitoring station at is reported by the EPA for Air Quality Zone C, the the Rahoon Road, on the west side of the City. This Zone representative of Air Quality for all the major station is monitoring ambient levels of Heavy Metals urban areas outside Ireland’s two largest cities, and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is of Dublin and Cork.

7.4 Air Quality Monitoring Urban Traffic Sites

In 2017 and 2018, Galway City Council and the EPA commenced a programme of monthly sampling of commenced planning a new “Urban Traffic Site” for NO2 across the City using the NO2 Diffusion Tubes. reporting air quality under Ambient Air Quality and The programme has been on–going throughout Cleaner Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (2008/50/ 2018. The results of the sampling will inform the EC) 2008. selection of the site for a new air quality monitoring station located within the City Centre. In November 2017 Galway City Council in partnership Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

44 8 Waste Management & the Green Economy

45 8.1 Plastic Free Week February 2018

High profile Galweigans were invited to tackle the challenge of living ‘plastic free’ for the week commencing 5th February 2018, as part of Plastic Free Week in Galway City. 22 local ambassadors joined NUI Galway, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, schools across the city and two Mayors from the EGL Network in this initiative. Plastic Free Week aimed to reduce the use of single–use, disposable plastic products, through action, education and example. A schools information pack, posters, banners and participants pack was developed for this promotion.

Experts including The World Economic Forum warn that at current rates of production, consumption and disposal of plastic, there will be more plastic than fish, in terms of weight, in the world’s oceans by 2050. About 280 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, and only a small percentage is recycled. About 13 million tonnes of the rest ends up in the world’s oceans, costing several billion dollars per year in environmental damage to marine ecosystems.

The focus of Plastic Free Week was to start a discussion around single use plastics and their alternatives, and to raise awareness of the topic city–wide.

8.2 Anti–Dumping Initiative 2017/2018

Galway City Council successfully applied for Irish In addition, local communities are supported Government funding for Anti–Dumping measures to do their own clean ups through provision of in 2017 and 2018. Initiatives included development plastic bags, litter pickers and gloves by Galway and distribution of a leaflet on waste services in City Council, with pick up of litter collected also Galway City, area clean ups and school workshops. provided.

46 Areas Clean Ups 2018: of in these households. Householders were given Dyke Road – This was a clean–up with preventative leaflets and information on the waste services measures installation. Total waste removed was 2.6 Galway City Council provide e.g. bulky goods tonne, with CCTV installed to assist in deterring collection, civic amenity site. litter/dumping whilst also assisting in investigations of same should they occur. Sliabh Ban – This was a clean–up with preventative measures installation. Total waste removed 16.66 Westside – This was both an awareness campaign tonnes. CCTV was installed to assist in deterring litter/ and area wide clean–up inclusive of preventative dumping whilst also assisting in investigations of same measures. Total waste removed was 3.6 tonne. Again should they occur. CCTV was installed to assist in deterring litter/ dumping whilst also assisting in investigations of Waste and Biodiversity same. As part of the Anti–Dumping initiative 2018, 16 school workshops linking ‘Leave no Trace’ principles A Door to Door survey was conducted in approx. and impact on nature and biodiversity were 1,500 homes to identify how waste was disposed commissioned by Galway City Council.

8.3 Litter Management Unit

Galway City Council has 27 staff involved in street as part of clean ups, supporting volunteer efforts cleaning and litter management, commencing from and enhancing the overall image of the city. One 5am each morning, seven days a week. The Litter such litter pick in April 2017, organised by Friends Management Unit ensures that the city is clean and of Merlin Woods, collected over 70 bags and ready for visitors, as businesses open their doors in household items, with 45 volunteers picking litter. the morning.

The works involve 5 road and footpath sweepers, litter bin servicing, and litter picking in all areas of the city. The Litter Management Unit also work in conjunction with local residents associations, Tidy Towns and clean-up groups who collect localised litter. Galway City Council remove litter collected

47 8.4 Solar Bins

In 2018, Galway City piloted the installation of solar street cleaning and litter picking requirements due bins to increase the capacity of the street bins in to enclosed nature of bin which eliminates birds/ busy areas in the city, and prevent litter. On foot of vermin scattering rubbish across streets, parks and this pilot, Galway City Council will upgrade the city beaches. centre stock of litter bins to solar compacting litter bins, with the rollout of 50 additional bins. Carbon savings of approx. 200 tonnes per annum due to reduction in servicing which will assist Galway The trial found a reduction of the frequency of City Council in achieving targets. collection by 80%. They also substantially reduces

8.5 Don’t Let Food Go to Waste – Cookery Demo

Galway City Council and Galway County Council (6th March 2018). Approximately 80 people partnered with Galway Mayo Institute of Technology registered for the event, which supported also to host a public cookery demo, focusing on local, Galway’s European Region of Gastronomy status. organic food and how to prevent food waste

48 8.6 Support of Local Waste Reduction Campaigns

ReCupán is a campaign of Transition Galway, which encourages businesses to give at least 10 cent off when a customer uses a reusable cup instead of a take away cup. By November 2017, the campaign had over 45 businesses involved. Students in the ALIVE student volunteering programme in NUI Galway linked with the campaign as part of their studies, to recruit new businesses and raise awareness of plastic use. ReCupán is complementary to the national Conscious Cup campaign, which is now becoming a national movement.

SAOL Café was operated by SCCUL Enterprises during the Green Leaf designation year of 2017. SCCUL Enterprises received a grant to support diversion of single–use coffee cups from landfill. At the end of 11 weeks of their programme, they had diverted 1,351 cups from landfill, by promoting compostable cups and compostable waste bins. The café encouraged reuse, with a 20cent price reduction given to customers using their own ware. They replaced all plastic water bottles with glass, and over time, made the move to fully compostable single–use items.

Galway City Council supported the ‘plastic free’ message of the conference of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE) in Galway from 28–31st May 2018. Galway City Council sponsored prizes for a secondary school art competition, themed ‘Why making Galway plastic free matters to me’. This conference was organised by the School of Education in NUI Galway. Prizes were presented to winners by Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Pearce Flannery, on the 28th of May 2018.

Galway City Council participates in the annual national Gum Litter Campaign by IBEC, with a roadshow of educational workshops taking place in September/October 2018.

Launch of the IBEC Gum Litter Campaign 2018.

49 8.7 Reuse Month 2017/2018 The message of national Reuse Month is ‘Repair–Remake–Reimagine’.

Galway City Council promotes Repair Month, as part Activities included: of the Waste Management Plan. • Sew Last Season – repair workshops in conjunction with Sew Last Season, Galway’s social sewing space, in Galway Artisan Workshop (October 2018).

• Sew Scary Halloween Costume Competition from old clothes/ recycled materials (October 2017)

• Christmas Decoration competition, from recycled materials (2017 & 2018)

• Development of a pilot bike recycling scheme with the civic amenity site and the local community bike workshop, an Mheitheal Rothar (2018), in support of a circular economy and active travel.

8.8 Galway City Tidy Towns Garden Competition 2017/2018

The annual Galway City Tidy Towns Garden Competition is organised by Galway City Council on annual basis to recognise the efforts of residents, commercial organisations and public buildings to maintain and enhance the appearance of their gardens, estates, and public areas. Over 120 winners from houses, residential areas, schools, businesses and civic buildings were recognised in the 2017 and 2018 awards.

The achievements of award winners are applauded, as the feedback of the Judge noted the sheer amount of work carried out by residents, residents associations, public buildings, and commercial entrants, entirely on a voluntary basis.

Aisha Bah and Sophie Schirliu, Scoil Rois, winners of the Schools Best Floral Display 2018.

50 Mercy Primary School. Mayor Niall McNeils and Seamus King, winner of the Best Front Garden overall (2018), with his granddaughter Eimear Kelly who helps in the garden.

Eco School Winner 2018 St John The Apostle N.S. Bushy Park N.S.

Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh. Cllr. Terry O’Flaherty, pictured with her sister Betty O’Flaherty, winner of the Best Window Boxes/Floral Display 2018.

51 52 9 Water & Waste Water Management

53 9. Water & Wastewater Management

Galway is a city of water — with our frequent wet Atlantic Ocean. However despite its length, the river days giving a lush green landscape, and inspiring is Ireland’s second largest river by flow. linguists with delight with our range of descriptors for rain — from soft and misty, to spitting, The coastline in Galway city is very accessible — bucketing, pelting and lashing. bringing much needed amenity and relaxation space to inhabitants, but also requiring protection, Galway City has an extensive network of canals, in order to manage the competing demands of which historically served as navigation channels, the population of Galway for housing, transport, drainage for the Corrib catchment, fisheries, and schools, food, employment, tourism, amenity, sources of water and power for the city’s industries, recreation, with the need of species and ecosystems which included some 30 mills in the mid-19th for survival. century6. Pressure on our water system was particularly The canals feed into the mighty River Corrib — highlighted in the summer of 2018, which saw among the shortest rivers in Europe, with a length unusually good weather placing severe demands on of only 6 kilometres from Lough Corrib to the water infrastructure nationwide.

9.1 Infrastructure

Extreme weather events in Ireland saw water The Regional contractor will carry out the restrictions and a ‘hose pipe ban’ imposed on a following works, on the network in a prioritised national basis in summer 2018, highlighting the manner: importance of good water management by both 1. New Mains and Service laying (less than householders and the local authorities. 250mm diameter nominal bore)

Irish Water is Ireland’s national water utility, 2. Below Ground Network Rehabilitation work with responsibility for providing water and 3. Backyard Lead Replacement wastewater services throughout Ireland. Services are delivered in partnership with Local 4. DMA Establishment Authorities, under Service Level Agreements. 5. PRV Works 6. Minor Works to include A key objective for Irish Water in collaboration with Local Authorities for the period 2014 to 7. Leak Repair, Public Side Lead Works and 2022 is to reduce leakage nationally from 47% Metering to 38%. To this end Irish Water have produced a 8. Find & Fix Leakage Reduction Programme for Galway City for 2018. This Plan aims to achieve a reduction of 1.9ML/d UFW in 2018 and a further target of The establishment of this dedicated resource 7.2ML/d reduction in UFW by 2021. will allow us to deliver significant improvements on our water networks and meet our target In 2017 Irish Water appointed a Regional reductions as set out in the Leakage Reduction Contractor with responsibility for water mains Programme for the city. interventions and maintenance aimed primarily at reducing leakage and removal of common lead services.

6 http://galway.net/galwayguide/history/waterways/

54 9.2 Water Workshops

Water Services delivered workshops on water conjunction with Irish Water. This was a lead in treatment, water conservation and waste water activity to Water Month in November 2017 (see in Merlin Woods Primary School (April 2017), in below).

9.3 Water Month November 2017 –

During the month of November 2017, Irish Water and Galway City Council carried out a number of water-themed events to celebrate Galway City’s designation as European Green Leaf City for 2017. These included a beach clean- up and safari for Irish Water/Galway City Council staff, tours of Mutton Island and Terryland treatment plants, and the launch of the Slow the Flow ebooklet and the ‘Water News’ newspaper, a special edition newspaper was compiled by the sixth class students of Holy Trinity National School, Mervue and the second class students of Merlin Woods National School, Doughiska.

Children from Merlin Woods National School launching The Water News in the Aquarium, November 2017.

55 9.4 SeaFest Supporters Initiative

SeaFest, Ireland’s national maritime festival, took Celestica, CPL Recruitment, Food For Thought, place in Galway on the 12th of June 2018. The Honest Kitchen, the Irish Greyhound Board, the festival is organised by the Marine Institute, which is Junior Chamber of Commerce, Temple Café, The based in Oranmore, Co. Galway. Galway City Council Yield Lab Europe, The Heron’s Rest, Tropical Medical and the Marine Institute collaborated to develop Bureau, Glenville Nutrition, Galway Convention the ‘Sea Fest Supporters’ initiative. In 2018, the Bureau and AMACH! LGBT Galway/Teach Solais festival aimed to highlight the impact of plastics Resource Centre are Supporters of SeaFest by in our oceans, with a particular focus on reducing participating in this initiative. single-use plastics on the festival site. Businesses and organisations across the city were invited to say As part of the promotion, the Greyhound Stadium ‘No to Plastic’ in our oceans, by adopting actions to named their races and had information in the race reduce single-use plastics for the festival weekend card about ways to reduce plastic, over the weekend and beyond. of Sea Fest. Displays from Conservation Volunteers Galway, the Recycling Ambassador programme, and Galway City Museum, Galway Atlantaquaira, 56 Junior Chamber of Commerce Galway were also on Central, Brazco Coffee Academy, Bank of Ireland, site for the weekend races.

9.5 International Sports and Culture Association Award 2018

An initiative of Healthy Galway, part of Healthy Ireland, received the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the ISCA 2018 Awards in Paris, for their Salthill swim markers, as a recognition of partnerships to promote activity in urban spaces. The swim markers mark distances in Galway Bay, along the Salthill prom, encouraging visitors and residents to swim in the bay along Blue Flag beaches.

56 10 Budget, Monitoring & Indicators

The Green Leaf status did not come with a grant from the Commission but there was an undertaking by the City Council to commit personnel and funding to the programme in 2017, and beyond the designation year in 2018.

A sum of 2215,000 was made available by the Council to deliver a programme of activities as part of European Green Leaf programme 2017/2018.

57 10.1 Awareness of Green Leaf

As part of monitoring of the European Green Leaf Results status in Galway, Galway City Council commissioned Of 1196 respondents, 292 were aware of the two questions in a nationally representative omnibus European Green Leaf Programme. survey, by Interactions Research. This was an online omnibus of 1,041 respondent, which was nationally Comparing Galway City to Cork, Dublin, Waterford representative and ran from 2nd to 8th of February and Limerick, more people in Galway City were aware 2018. An additional sample was recruited through of the EGL award, than those in other cities (63% vs Galway City social media channels and email invites 25% Limerick, 23% Cork, 17% Dublin, 6% Waterford). (total 155 people, over a period of 13th to 28th Total sample for these cities was 368 people. February). The total sample size was 1,196. Of 1196 respondents, 226 were aware that Galway The questions asked were was the Green Leaf City for 2017.

• Are you aware of the European Commission Green These results indicate a greater awareness of the Leaf Programme? European Green Leaf designation in Galway at the • Are you aware that Galway City was the European end of the designation year, than other cities in Green Leaf City for 2017? Ireland.

Galway city 63%, 70 37%, 40

Limerick city 25%, 4 75%, 8

Cork city 23%, 8 77%, 44

Dublin city 17%, 24 83%, 164

Waterford city 6%, 1 94%, 15

Yes No

10.2 Value of European Green Leaf Grants

Grants made available through Galway City energy to environmental projects and initiatives, Council as part of the European Green Leaf with a sample of 14 grantees clocking up over designation contributed a significant number of 3,450 hours on their projects, with a value of over volunteer hours to the local economy and to the €33,800 contributed in terms of their time (based social capital of Galway City. on a minimum wage of €9.40). Many of these grantees continue to invest their time and energy Enthusiastic community, residential, voluntary in their projects, beyond the lifetime of these and education groups committed their time and grants.

58 10.3 Engagement

Interactions on social media, registration for events, Galway City’s activities regularly featured on local emails to the Green Leaf Coordinator, and requests and national media. for events and initiatives indicated strong interest in Galway’s European Green Leaf activities. Targeted Facebook Reach March 2017 to October 2018. As a advertising was undertaken for events e.g. seminars, guide to the level of interest and engagement in the Loving Galway events, with news and other updates designation, the reach of the EGL page on Facebook promoted organically. from March 2017 to October 2018 is displayed.

20k

15k

10k

5k

0 Jul '17 Jul '18 Jun '17 Jan '18 Oct '17 Oct Jun '18 Dec '17 Oct '18 Oct Apr '18 Mar '17 Feb '18 Nov '17 Nov Dec '18 Aug '17 Aug Mar '18 Nov '18 Nov Aug '18 Aug May '17 May May '18 May Apr ' 17 Sept '17 Sept Sept '18 Sept

Total Facebook reach 124,791

59 11 Commission Indicators:

A number of indicators were agreed between Galway City Council and the European Commission, summarised in the Memorandum of Understanding, a non-binding agreement between DG Environment and Galway, European Green Leaf (EGL) winner 2017.

6 http://galway.net/galwayguide/history/waterways/

60 These indicators are summarised below:

Indicator Output

1 Organise a national event Green Your Gathering National Seminar

2 Organise two local events As per detail outlined in this report

3 Organise the EGL 2017 Plaque unveiling January 2017

4 Potentially host a satellite Green Week in the N/A attended Green Week, Brussels 2018 winning city

5 Host at least one meeting of the EGL Network Waste-themed EGLN meeting, February 2018

6 Attendance requested by the winning city: Participated in Green Week 2018 in Brussels Participate in Green Week 2017 (Brussels and/ Attended Award Ceremony 2017, and also or Essen); attended in 2018 ceremony in Nijmegen Attend the 2017 EGCA/EGL Award Ceremony at both political and operational levels.

7 Publicity by the winning city: Logo included on logos, posters, flyers, email Any communication activity related to the signature, grant paperwork, social media etc. action display the European Green Leaf Brand & include the following text "An Initiative of the European Commission

8 Branding requirements of the winning city: Logo included on materials, as above Where possible the winning city must prominently display the European Green Leaf brand identity on all electronic, online and printed materials it produces.

9 Collaboration with Capital of Culture Collaborated for Green Your Gathering national seminar, and waste reduction activities in Galway2020 offices

10 Chairing the European Green Leaf Network Changed to 2018, included hosting EGLN in during the winning year of 2017 February 2018

11 Communication between DG Environment, the Organised as required with Secretariat and/ winning city and the EGL or European Commission Secretariat telephone conferences/calls be- tween the winning city and the EGL Secretariat/ DG Environment Project Manager

12 Winning City Reporting As per this report A winning city final report –

13 A five year update report would also be For review in 2022 desirable from the EGL winner

61 12 Learnings and Outcomes

Galway City Council was proud to receive the 2017 and 2018 were an opportunity for City Council European Green Leaf designation from the to support these individuals, through grants, European Commission for 2017. The designation was seminars, and collaborations — the highlight of a recognition of Galway’s ambition to take positive which was the 10–day Loving Galway Festival. steps in terms of environmental challenges, and This festival was a unique collaboration between to celebrate the wealth of environmental activity the Galway City Community Network, Youth Work taking place in the city over the preceding decades. Ireland Galway, Green–Schools, NUI Galway, Friends of Merlin Woods and a wealth of environmental The designation added significant value to the city, actors across the city. It was a fitting showcase allowing City Officials the opportunity to liaise with and conclusion to the formal European Green Leaf our European counterparts about environmental programme in Galway City. issues; to benchmark and share experiences; and to identify future inspirations and projects for the City. Recommendations from Galway’s year as European Green Leaf are as follows: The designation put a spotlight on environmental • Collaborate and showcase — with community performance to date in Galway City, and highlighted groups, schools, third levels, businesses, local both areas for showcasing and improvement. Of authority staff, the Mayor, and Elected Members note are the enthusiastic and committed staff — their support adds voices and weight to the of Galway City Council, and members of the Green Leaf messaging and events, and gives an environmental and voluntary community in Galway opportunity to reach new audiences, and to hear City, for the time and dedication they give to new ideas. Stakeholders in Galway City were keen protecting and enhancing our city. From the schools to engage, to offer ideas, to participate and to who teach our children an appreciation of nature, organise — this social capital and goodwill was plastic and pollinators; to the business groups who invaluable in Galway. In particular the support of support litter picks and overhaul their environmental the three Mayors involved in European Green Leaf practices; to the community groups who call on was very positive. politicians to take greater action in the face of environmental challenges — Galway City is in the • Allocate a Coordinator — as this work cannot position it is today because of these people and happen without the appointment of a dedicated organisations.

62 team or individual, ideally starting before the • Network — attendance at the EGL Network designation and having time after the designation events and Green Week was a valuable year to reflect, report and build on the opportunity to meet and share ideas with other designation. winning cities. The value of this collaboration more than makes up for the time penalty • For future years, Galway City Council would travelling to and from Green Leaf cities, which commend the allocation of initial seed funding can be some distance from capital cities. Long from the European Commission to winning cities, term engagement in the Network, beyond the in order to support them with their endeavours. designation year, should be facilitated through A mechanism to support cities after their appropriate funding mechanisms to allow cities designation year could also be established at a to benefit from the initial engagement in their national level, in order to capitalise on ground designation year. This engagement could also covered in the designation year in the area of include Green Capitals where appropriate. marketing, communications and behaviour change. Existing funding mechanisms could be amended to • Timing — Galway’s activity ran beyond the facilitate this. designation year, into 2018. This was essential to build on engagement started in 2017, and saw the • The support and participation of the Commission delivery of a range of events including the Loving at Green Leaf initiatives in Galway City would also Galway Festival. A year is a short time to deliver a be very welcome. This would be an opportunity to programme — leeway to overrun the designation communicate to local stakeholders the importance year can be very valuable to the winning city. of the award to the Commission, and to give those living and working in the city an opportunity to hear from the Commission.

63 13 Conclusion

Many of the initiatives at the core of environmental and behaviour change as part of the solution to management in Galway City are unseen, and climate change and other significant environmental uncelebrated — from environmental reporting, challenges faced by local authorities. to waste water management or delivering the Development Plan for the city. The ‘visible’ side Although the designation year has now passed, of Green Leaf in Galway City included news Galway City Council will continue to put articles, public events, marketing, communications, environmental issues to the forefront — through competitions and seminars. This public awareness other designations such as Galway2020, Capital of adds ‘fairy dust’ the day–to–day workings of Galway Culture; European Region of Gastronomy 2018; and City Council to effectively manage our waste, water, collaborations with organisations such as NUI Galway air, biodiversity, mobility and energy. This is a long– and the Environmental Protection Agency. For term, slow–moving endeavour, which can take many example, Galway2020 are holding an environmental years to produce a visible result. European Green message close to their hearts — having introduced Leaf was an opportunity to showcase and highlight a requirement to address environmental issues some of the city’s achievements to date, with a view for all events in the cultural programme, as well as to building on them in the challenging times ahead. implementing an Environmental Management Policy in the Galway2020 office. This showcasing opportunity highlights the importance of mainstreaming and resourcing Galway City Council wishes to thank DG Environment marketing, communications and behaviour change and the European Commission for honouring the in the context of environmental management. city with this award, which will no doubt be built on Technological solutions will only bring us so far in in future years. relation to environmental challenges — behavioural solutions can be far more cost-effective in tackling waste and consumption, energy use, mobility, water, air quality, climate change and protecting our environmental heritage. Green Leaf highlights the value of this activity, and points to the need to resource effective communications, marketing

64 14 Complementary Strategies and Designations

“... a sustainable,Galway Energy resilient urban...andStrategy well-being for all its people...” From Local Economic Community Plan for Galway City

European Region of Galway Tourism Gastronomy Galway Cultural Strategy Galway Energy Biodiversity Strategy Strategy Action Plan for Galway Galway 214-2024 Climate Change Strategy Galway Transport Strategy Estate City of Culture Management 2020 Strategy Local Economic Community Sustainable Heritage Plan for City Development Plan for Galway City Development Goals Galway Plan

65 Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe Halla na Cathrach, Bóthar an Choláiste Gaillimh, Éire H91 X4K8

Galway City Council City Hall, College Road Galway, Ireland H91 X4K8

00 353 91 536 400 www.galwaycity.ie

@GalwayCityCouncil @GalwayCityCo @GalwayGreenLeaf @GalwayGreenLeaf

Published August 2019