Ms Karen Kenny:

We have been looking at the regional cities in terms of the ambitious targets we set for them in 2018 and the need to focus on how best to deliver those as opposed to burdening them further with additional targets. We have examined the opportunities for strategic development through a transport-oriented development, TOD, review. There are opportunities within Galway. We have also examined the institutional governance arrangements and structures that are in place and, as I mentioned in response to previous queries, how best to equip the cities. This has been one of our key lessons from the previous census results. Galway grew by 7% in the 2016-22 period, which was below the national growth rate. The focus might need to be on how to turn that tide and ensure that Galway grows at the level envisaged by the NPF as opposed to adding extra numbers. We feel that this is where focus is needed under the next phase of the NPF.