The report notes the "unprecedented" growth of the city in recent years. It says the current economic environment of low interest rates and low inflation, coupled with the attractiveness of Galway as a place to live and work, indicates that this strong growth pattern will continue for at least the next four or five years.
It says the city's population grew by an astonishing 21 per cent between 1986 and 1996. Its population is projected to increase by 2 per cent each year between now and 2002, climbing from 57,241 to 64,463.
Its main recommendations include:
. Major investments in road, rail and air links, including the provision of four flights a day between Dublin and Galway by 1999.
. A focus on the development of indigenous industry, particularly in the audiovisual sector, software and craft products.
. The resolution of the controversy over a sewage treatment plant for the city and the provision of such a plant by 2001.
. Better co-ordination of tourism initiatives to focus on ways of attracting more big spenders.
. Support for the development plans of the National University of Ireland, Galway, and Galway RTC, particularly in engineering, science, software, languages and tourism.
. The promotion of the city's "unique role" as a centre for the arts, traditional music and the Irish language.
. The restoration of the Marine Credit plan to encourage fishermen to buy more up-to-date vessels and deal with increased competition from other EU member-states.
. The implementation of an effective traffic management plan for the city and a managed approach to the pedestrianisation of William Street, Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street.
. The promotion of renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar power to reduce an estimated annual increase of 8.1 per cent in energy requirements. Up to 15 per cent of the county's total energy need to be generated within the county by 2010.
. The extension of broadband ISDN services throughout the city and county as an essential element of a strategy to allow the county to benefit fully from the telecommunications revolution.
. Major investment in healthcare services, including the provision of a cardiac surgery facility, a neuro-surgery and trauma centre, and full radiotherapy services for oncology patients.