1. Launching conference
Toulouse, 9th of February 2012

2. Presentation of Galway
County Council
Brian Barrett

3. Galway County Council
at a glance
Galway County Council is responsible for the administrative area of County
Galway. The Council is responsible for the planning, design and construction of
important infrastructures, such as roads, water supply, drainage facilities and
certain social services, such as housing, fire stations, libraries and burial grounds.
It is the custodian of the environment and through its planning and environment
policies seeks to enhance the county while protecting its unique character and
atmosphere. It also plays an active role in the development of the county’s
economic, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural sectors.
Galway County Council facilitates a
integrated body of the statutory,
Community and social partners
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4. County Galway at a glance
Population (inhabitants) 175,127 (2011)
Surface area (km2) 6099 km2
Density (inhabit/ km2) 28.7/km2
% rural population 83% live in rural areas
GNP per capita 32,234
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5. Population Density
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6. Unique cultural area - Gaeltacht
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7. The most important issues/ stakes
in the region/ country regarding rural
development
1. Ageing Rural Population
2. Structural unemployment
(14%, Live register increased by 140% 2008 -2011)
3. Austerity measures will reduce rural services and
accelerate urbanisation
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9. Existing policies regarding rural
development
1. Support for economic development in sectors of
Craft/Tourism/Culture
2. Support delivery of social services by community and
voluntary sector
3. Support for Economic and interprise development
initiatives by community and voluntary sector
4. Sustaining vibrant communities
5. Implementing an age friendly county initiative
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10. Activities/ projects already
implemented in rural development
1. Funding of community based Enterprise/economic initiatives –
Tourism/Craft sector/Renewables
- online map of Craft workers
- downloadable walking tours of Towns
- visitor app for i phone and android
- Online calendar of events
2. Supporting community and voluntary sector in County. Community
Forum supported with 724 active groups registered
- online map of Community Alert service
 Provision of infrastrucutre in rural areas to support communities.
Roads/Water Services/Housing
 Established a business network in the region involving 500 indigenous
and FDI companies
 Implement urban renewal projects in Towns and Villages.
 Deliver a public library service through a network of 30 branches
 - free access to internet for all members
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11. Galway County Council in
GRISI PLUS and its
expectations
1. Identify new initiatives to support rural
commmunities
2. Learn how geomatics can be used to sustain rural and
isolated communities.
3. Identify how we can use ICT with our ageing
communities in the more isolated areas
4. Share experiences with partners who are trying to
address common challenges.
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12. The good practices to transfer
to other regions
1. Online mapping of services
2. Online planning system
3. Use of phone apps as tourism products
4. Online promotion of County as a film location
5. Mapping of Council Datasets
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