<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>This paper sets out to better understand the roles of various actors and actions in the ‘making’ of Galway city. From the formation of the state, with a population of just over 14,000, the city has enjoyed population growth rates above EU and Irish averages over the past three decades. This paper maps a series of growth phases resulting from sometimes deliberate and other times non-deliberate policy decisions. The theoretical lens adopted is that of evolutionary economic geography. This is an attempt to counteract the tendency in broader social science research to underplay geographical aspects, such as places, space and scales. Economic geography – and evolutionary economic geography in particular – better identifies the complexity and nuance of place development. Theorists such as Boschma (2017) and Martin &amp; Sunley (2015) consider development as a path-dependent process. Development is situated and place-based. This requires a more historically attuned perspective and a recognition that the role played by institutions, government and policy is vital. The paper concludes with a broad reflection on the role of spatial development policy and the potential future development of the city.</p></abstract>

This paper sets out to better understand the roles of various actors and actions in the ‘making’ of Galway city. From the formation of the state, with a population of just over 14,000, the city has enjoyed population growth rates above EU and Irish averages over the past three decades. This paper maps a series of growth phases resulting from sometimes deliberate and other times non-deliberate policy decisions. The theoretical lens adopted is that of evolutionary economic geography. This is an attempt to counteract the tendency in broader social science research to underplay geographical aspects, such as places, space and scales. Economic geography – and evolutionary economic geography in particular – better identifies the complexity and nuance of place development. Theorists such as Boschma (2017) and Martin & Sunley (2015) consider development as a path-dependent process. Development is situated and place-based. This requires a more historically attuned perspective and a recognition that the role played by institutions, government and policy is vital. The paper concludes with a broad reflection on the role of spatial development policy and the potential future development of the city.

Who makes the city? The evolution of Galway city

Administration

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{"article-title":"Who makes the city? The evolution of Galway city"}

This paper sets out to better understand the roles of various actors and actions in the ‘making’ of Galway city. From the formation of the state, with a...

Who makes the city? The evolution of Galway city

Published Online: Jun 05, 2020

Page range: 59 - 78

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/admin-2020-0011

Keywords
Galway, evolutionary economic geography, city-making

© 2020 Patrick Collins, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Who makes the city? The evolution of Galway city

Published Online: Jun 05, 2020

Page range: 59 - 78

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/admin-2020-0011

KeywordsGalway, evolutionary economic geography, city-making

© 2020 Patrick Collins, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Galway, evolutionary economic geography, city-making