The great, the good and the ordinary people of Galway packed into GMIT’s largest lecture theatre last Friday to take the first steps in collective planning for the future of Galway.

Chaired by Dave O’Connell, Group Editor of the Connacht Tribune Group, the day long symposium included presentations from industry experts and audience feedback . Speakers included Prof. Terry Smith of NUIG on Research, Mike Devane on Marine and Energy and Mark Gantly, MD of Hewlett-Packard on Enterprise and Innovation.

They were followed by well-known architect David Heffernan and local planning consultant James O’Donnell who presented on infrastructure and environment and Harbour master Capt. Brian Sheridan who discussed the opportunities for Galway Docklands and its potential impact on the region.

Afternoon presentations included a thought-provoking session involving Fiona Monaghan, Fáilte Ireland West, local theatre artist Mairéad Ní Chróinín and Prof. Michael Cuddy discussing their vision on Tourism, Culture and Agriculture, Food & rural Development.

Rounding up the afternoon was the vision for education presented by Dr. Seán McDonagh with Rachel Doyle from the National Womens’ Council of Ireland discussing the opportunities for social inclusion.

Organisers Paul Shelly and Rory O’Connor, were keen to stress that Friday’s event was the start of the journey and that further discussions would take place online and in the media over the ensuing weeks and months.

Plans also include a public lecture from a leading international speaker in the early Spring.

See full story and photographs in this week's Connacht Tribune.