Galway City is located on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. It covers approximately 50 square kilometres of land and has a population of 83,456 (CSO, Census 2022). It is divided by the River Corrib that flows from Lough Corrib, directly north of the city boundary extents. The City is bound by the edge of Galway Bay, a natural harbour. Lough Atalia, a large 50 HA estuarine lagoon, is located on the east side of the city and is a dominant landscape feature.
Galway is a diverse, multi-cultural city where almost one third of people are non-Irish. The population of the City is growing and the growth of the City reflects the global trend of urbanisation and the attractiveness of Galway as a place to live, work, study, and visit. Galway has a diverse and unique landscape for people to explore, and the City offers a wealth of high quality recreational spaces and opportunities. The City’s situation on the coast is ingrained within its cultural identity. Galway boasts a wide variety of beaches including Blackrock with its iconic diving board, Salthill and Ballyloughane Beach. The Promenade (also referred to as the ‘The Prom’) is a key connecting active travel route that runs parallel to the coastal edge. The Three City Parks (Barna Woods, Merlin Woods and Terryland Forest Park) are large patches of woodland that support a range of passive and active recreational activities. There are numerous walking trails throughout the City Parks with areas of unprogrammed space that offer a chance to immerse oneself in natural spaces or engage socially. The City Parks promote a strong sense of community and local connection.
 

The Priorities of the Department for include the following:
 

• Implementation of the Green Spaces Strategy & the Galway City Recreation and Amenity needs strategy.
• Establish and implement the Galway City Bio Diversity Plan 2025 to 2030

• Progress Policies and Procedures for all areas to provide for enhanced biodiversity and greening of our City and to provide for equality for all ages and abilities in accessing and utilising our facilities including open spaces, buildings & facilities management.
• Advance a large range of projects within Recreation & Amenity set out and revised in our 3 year Capital Programme
• Establish Maintenance plans and schedules for existing and new infrastructure.
• Support unplanned events to put in place solutions when the arise.
• Review and input into outdoor events in open green spaces, parks woodlands, beaches etc.
• Review, update and introduce By-Laws.
• Engage with the public, Councillors, politicians, stakeholders, as required on planned and unplanned events/projects.
• Review and inputs into planning applications, small to large scale housing developments, other all developments.