An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area group of structures or townscapes which is either of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in its own right or which contributes to the appreciation of protected structures. Galway City has a number of distinctive areas of special interest and value or historical merit, which in terms of streetscape, arrangement of streets and spaces, composition of buildings and structures and architectural styles creates a character worthy of protection. (Galway City Development Plan 2005-2011.)