New figures show that one in every five commercial premises in Galway City are lying empty.And the author of a new report believes the vacancy rates are down to the rising costs of doing business, changing consumer habits and hybrid working.A breakdown of the figures for the end of 2023 shows that for Galway City, the rate was higher than County Galway, at 20.1% of the 2,869 premises (up 1% year on year) and in Loughrea, the rate was 18.7% (up 0.9%) of the 277 premises. It was Tuam that recorded the biggest vacancy rate in County Galway, at 26.1% (up from 25.2% a year earlier) of the 412 premises. It was the sixth-highest town in the country, behind Edgeworthstown in Longford (30.2%); Shannon in Clare (29.8%); Ballybofey in Donegal (29.4%); Boyle in Roscommon (27.6%) and Sligo town (26.2%).A breakdown of the commercial building uses for Galway City shows that 52.6% are in the services sector; 20.7% in retail and wholesale; 13.7% in health; 3.6% in education; 3.2% in the financial sector; 2.9% in industry; 2.3% in construction; and 1% in public administration.Dara Keogh, Chief Executive of GeoDirectory said: &ldquo;The rate of commercial vacancies in Ireland has hit a new high of 14.3%, continuing the trend of increasing rates in recent years.&ldquo;This trend can be attributed to a number of factors such as the rising cost of doing business, changing consumer habits and hybrid working.&ldquo;Consideration must now be given to how some of these vacant properties can be repurposed and reused, in order to avoid long-term vacancy and potential dereliction of these buildings,&rdquo; he said.Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, said: &ldquo;Businesses have been impacted by a series of factors over recent years which have led to challenging trading conditions for many and so this increase is not unexpected. On a more positive note, the continued easing of inflation, ongoing reductions in energy prices and the anticipated cuts in interest rates should hopefully provide some relief for businesses this year.&rdquo;Full Report <a class="fr-strong" href="https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_ie/topics/economics/ey-geodirectory-commercial-report-q4-2023.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>

One in every five commercial premises in Galway City are vacant

Walking and cycling take 29,000 cars off Galway Metropolitan Area roads every day, according to the Walking and Cycling Index.<h3 id="isPasted">6 in 10 adults in Galway Metropolitan Area walk or wheel at least five times a week, 1 in 5 cycle at least once a week</h3>The National Transport Authority has today published the findings of the first-ever survey of walking, wheeling and cycling in <a href="https://www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-investment/active-travel-investment-programme/walking-and-cycling-index/galway-metropolitan-area-walking-and-cycling-index-2023/">Galway Metropolitan Area</a>, which reveals that 6 in 10 (60%) of residents walk or wheel (meaning the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter) at least five times a week, while 1 in 5 (20%) residents cycle at least once a week.Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA&nbsp;said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to roll out the largest survey into walking, wheeling and cycling in Ireland. Over the past few years, the NTA has been working with local authorities across the country, including Galway, to deliver safe pedestrian and cycle infrastructure that encourages more people to engage in active travel.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s clear from the latest Index that more people in Galway want to cycle and walk each day. By encouraging people to make active travel a part of their daily journey, we can all play our part in creating a more sustainable future. The NTA will continue to accelerate our efforts to roll out walking and cycling infrastructure in Galway and other cities across Ireland.&rdquo;Read the full article <a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/nta-publishes-first-ever-survey-of-walking-wheeling-cycling-in-galway/#:~:text=The%20National%20Transport%20Authority%20has,1%20in%205%20(20%25)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

NTA publishes first-ever survey of walking, wheeling & cycling in Galway Metropolitan Area

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Join <a href="https://www.giveusthenight.com/">Give Us The Night&nbsp;</a>on their nationwide tour as they delve into the pressing issues surrounding the new licensing laws and the current state of Irish nightlife.Starting on February 26th, Give Us The Night will traverse the country, placing a spotlight on licensing reform and the evolving challenges faced by the nightlife industry.&nbsp;Whether you&#39;re a venue owner, cultural programmer, promoter, performer, manager, worker, advocate, nightlife enthusiast, or supporter, based or working in Galway City, your presence is eagerly awaited at the Mick Lally Theatre on March 12 at 6 pm. Public representatives and election candidates are also encouraged to attend, especially as local and general elections approach. This is a prime opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of local communities and night-time venues, as efforts are made to reshape Ireland&#39;s nightlife and night-time economy.Give Us The Night, an independent volunteer group of professionals within the night-time industry, is dedicated to advocating for positive changes in Ireland&#39;s nightlife, with a focus on music venues.Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and venues:<ul><li>February 26: The Bodega, Cork - 7 pm</li><li>February 28: The Sugar Club, Dublin - 6:30 pm</li><li>February 29: Factory, Waterford - 7 pm</li><li>March 05: The Killarney Grand, Kerry - 7 pm</li><li>March 11: Garavogue Bar, Sligo - 7 pm</li><li>March 12: The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway - 6 pm</li><li>March 12: Treaty City Brewery, Limerick - 9 pm</li></ul>For more updates and information, follow Give Us The Night on Instagram (@giveusthenight) and Twitter (@GiveUsTheNight).

A nationwide tour of public talks presented by Give Us The Night, discussing the new licensing laws and the current state of Irish nightlife. 

Your thoughts and ideas matter—contribute now to the Galway City Council's Night-
Time Action Plan!

Have your say before 5th March,

#NTEGalwaycity #GalwaybyNight

Be part of shaping the future of Galway City evening and night-time experience

Galway by Night

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Galway City Council invites you to be part of an exciting initiative – the development of our Night-Time Action Plan.


About  - Galway by Night 

About - Galway by Night 

Galway City Council extends an open invitation to residents, businesses and visitors alike to be integral parts of the development of Galway city&#39;s Night-Time Economy Action Plan. This is an effort to explore how our community engages with the night-time hours (6 pm &ndash; 6 am), with the goal of providing recommendations for a dynamic, safe, and inclusive environment.&nbsp;Together, let&#39;s forge a night-time experience that is not only memorable and inclusive but also reflective of the diverse and dynamic spirit of our city.&nbsp;Don&#39;t miss this opportunity to be a driving force behind Galway&#39;s nocturnal vision! Your participation is key to creating a night-time experience that is both memorable and inclusive.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1706213657/projects/65a7eed8d1a439173544f6e7/tred83fhhckhdrk8wayo.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Night-Time Economy is a collaboration of social, cultural, and economic activities during our evening and night-time hours. It brings everyone together with a unique sense of shared space and vitality. In the wake of the <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c1ba7-report-of-the-night-time-economy-taskforce/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NTE Taskforce Report,</a> Galway City achieved recognition as one of nine pilot towns and cities tasked with formulating and executing an action plan.&nbsp;The plan will be designed to introduce a variety of measures aimed at supporting our night-time economy. To oversee and implement the plan, a Night Time Economy Advisor has been appointed, and a dedicated stakeholder group has been established, representing a broad spectrum of business sectors and community interests. This initial stage of our stakeholder engagement involves the launch of a online surveys in the form of a questionnaire and an ideas map. &nbsp;Residents of Galway City and visitors alike are invited to contribute their insights, sharing feedback on the challenges and opportunities within the community. This input is integral to our aspiration of positioning Galway City as the preeminent evening and night-time destination, fostering a sustainable, vibrant, culturally rich, and diverse experience. The data gathered from this survey will serve as the foundation for the action plan, guiding us in identifying and prioritising key initiatives.The survey will remain open for completion for 6 weeks, providing an ample window for the community to actively participate in shaping the future of Galway City&#39;s night- time economy.

Download the full National NTE Taskforce report here

NTE Taskforce Report.pdf

Highlight areas you love, suggest improvements, and share your innovative ideas!

Galway City Night - Time Ideas Map!

We'd love to hear your thoughts about Galway by Night. Please tell us about the areas in the city that you love or would want to improve between 6 pm and 6 am. 
Please zoom in to your spot within the city boundaries first, then click 'Have your say.' Drop a pin, answer what you want, and when done, scroll down and click 'Next.' 
Thank you for your feedback. Together, we can enhance and broaden the city's night-time offerings. 

If you have any issues using this map, contact: support@commonplace.is

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If you are a business or organisation in Galway let us know how to better improve the Night-Time Economy. 

Survey - Businesses & Organisations 

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1706537998/projects/65a7eed8d1a439173544f6e7/h65sow0tsm9nfghwoi2u.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib">As part of our ongoing commitment to comprehensively understand and enhance the Night-Time Economy in Galway city we extend an invitation to businesses and organisations to participate in our survey. Your participation is vital in identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and formulating effective solutions.The Night-Time Economy is a multifaceted entity. It transcends traditional nightlife, encompassing a spectrum of activities such as cultural engagements, entertainment options, gastronomic experiences, festivals, sports events, and retail activities&mdash;all within a secure and inviting ambiance. It is more than a leisurely pursuit; it is the cultivation of a secure and dynamic space that accommodates both professional pursuits and recreational interests.From 6 pm to 6 am, the Night-Time Economy unfolds, providing a distinctive timeframe for both business engagements and leisure activities. This window is not confined to the nocturnal hours; rather, it signifies an opportunity to capitalise on every moment for enjoyment and meaningful connections.A thriving Night-Time Economy is characterised by the seamless integration of well-designed public spaces, efficient transportation solutions, and a diverse array of events catering to various demographics. It serves as a nexus where creativity converges with business, offering appeal to individuals of all ages and interests.We invite you to contribute to the evolution of a Night-Time Economy your engagement is instrumental in shaping the trajectory of our community&#39;s success.

Thank you for participating in our survey on Galway&#39;s Night Time Economy! Your insights are invaluable to us. If you&#39;re a resident, don&#39;t miss the chance to share your thoughts in our resident&#39;s survey. Explore our ideas map and make your voice heard! Don&#39;t forget to hit NEXT to submit. We appreciate your time and input!

If you are a resident or visitor to Galway, tell us how we can improve our city and elevate your night-time experience.

Survey - Residents & Visitors

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1706537737/projects/65a7eed8d1a439173544f6e7/uhngttq09ny9icvbzyqj.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><div data-disable-events="true" id="isPasted">As part of our commitment to understanding and enhancing the Night-Time Economy in our community, we are surveying to gather insights from Residents and Visitors. Your input is invaluable in identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and formulating effective solutions.&nbsp;What do we mean by the Night Time Economy? The Night-Time Economy is like a bustling city within a city! It&#39;s a vibrant place that goes beyond just nightlife. Imagine a place filled with culture, entertainment, tasty bites, exciting festivals, sports, and shopping&mdash;all in a secure and inviting atmosphere. It&#39;s not just about having fun; it&#39;s about creating a safe and lively space for both work and play.When does it happen?&nbsp; From 6 pm to 6 am, the Night-Time Economy comes alive! It&#39;s not just about the dark hours; it&#39;s about turning every moment into an opportunity for enjoyment and connection.&nbsp;What makes it great?&nbsp; A fantastic Night-Time Economy relies on the perfect blend of a well-designed public space, efficient transportation, and a variety of happenings to keep everyone engaged. It&#39;s a place where creativity meets business, and where people of all ages and interests can find something they love. </div>

Thank you for participating in our survey on Galway&#39;s Night Time Economy! Your insights are invaluable to us.If you are a business or organisation operating in the city please don&#39;t miss the chance to share your thoughts in our residents survey. Explore our ideas map and make your voice heard! Don&#39;t forget to hit NEXT to submit. We appreciate your time and input!&nbsp;