IGBC Lunch & Learn: “Irish Cities in Crisis”; Galway 2070 Vision – City Plan and Approach

Is Galway at a Tipping Point? 🚦
By 2070, Galway’s population could triple to over 250,000 – a transformation that presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Will this growth bring more congestion, sprawl, and strain, or can it create a beautiful, connected, and sustainable city for everyone?

Join the Irish Cities 2070 Group (IC70) for this engaging Lunch & Learn session, where they will unveil a visionary new approach to Galway’s long-term spatial development drawn from their seminal publication, Irish Cities in Crisis.

What You’ll Learn
This session will explore how Galway can harness its growth to build a more sustainable and liveable city through:

✅ Finding the city’s “genius loci” – understanding and building upon Galway’s unique character
✅ Densifying suburbs to create vibrant, connected neighbourhoods
✅ Designing a “city of short distances” that prioritises people and public transport over cars
✅ Planning for growth that is not just sustainable but also beautiful, equitable, and globally competitive

Speakers

David Browne, B Arch, FRIAI, RIBA, ARBUK
Consultant, RKD Architects | Former President, RIAI (2018–2019)
David brings over 35 years of experience in urban design and masterplanning, having led transformative projects in Ireland and internationally, including Dublin’s Guinness St. James’s Gate Masterplan and the King Fahd Medical City Masterplan in Riyadh.

Jim Coady, B Arch, MA Urban Design, FRIAI
Consultant, COADY Architects | Former Vice President, RIAI
Jim has guided key urban regeneration and planning projects across Ireland including Westport 2000, Galway Waterways, and Limerick’s Opera Square combining a wide vision with a deep commitment to collaboration and design excellence.

Why Attend
Be among the first to hear insights from Irish Cities in Crisis
Gain a deeper understanding of the scale and nature of urban growth challenges in Galway
Engage with experts shaping the debate on sustainable urban development in Ireland
Help influence the future of Irish cities toward a more sustainable, people-focused model