Proposed Galway Ceannt Station Redevelopment

Rail and bus services to and from Galway are set to expand dramatically under the Transport 21 investment programme, funded by the Irish Government. By 2015, rail demand is projected to increase as a result of the enhanced services from 1.25 million journeys through the station annually to 3 million. Bus passengers will also more than double from 1.8 million to almost 4 million.

A new transport hub at the heart of Galway

To cater for these new and enhanced services and growth in demand, it is proposed that Ceannt Station will be developed into a world-class transport interchange for the West of Ireland in the heart of Galway city.

The integrated facility will enhance rail capacity through the development of three platforms, allowing for Intercity and Commuter service expansion.

A total of 25 dedicated bus bays will be provided at the interchange to facilitate the expected increase in bus passengers.

As well as enhanced public transport links to Ceannt Station, approximately 500 parking spaces dedicated for public transport users will be available, and enhanced set-down facilities for cars, and rank facilities for taxis will also be provided.

The design proposed for the Interchange is in keeping with the great European ‘cathedral’ stations, with a vaulted roof structure to give a customer-friendly environment maximising light and space. Buildings such as Berlin’s new train station and London’s British Museum have utilised this approach to dramatic effect.

Ceannt Station Quarter – a new Urban Quarter for Galway

The project also presents a unique opportunity to create an exemplar of urban design in this most cosmopolitan yet distinctly Irish city. This will deliver to the people of Galway a new city quarter which will complement and enhance the existing Galway City area.

A vibrant, mixed-use quarter is envisaged, encapsulating:

• Cultural and community facilities
• New homes in the City including social and affordable housing
• New squares and pedestrianised zones
• Urban retail and commercial facilities, to enhance the economic development of the city, and provide employment
• Leisure facilities, to benefit the city and wider West of Ireland region
• Restaurants, hotels and bars, boosting the social and tourism infrastructure of the city and region
• Existing protected structures, will be preserved and incorporated into the new Ceannt Station Quarter
• High quality, environmentally sustainable urban design, with energy saving technology

Ceannt Station Quarter will be a crossroads in the city of Galway, linking the medieval core of the city with the harbour front.

The land use and planning policy framework for the development of Ceannt Station Quarter are supported by a range of national, regional and local guidelines and plans, including:

National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020

Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2004

Galway City Development Plan 2005-2011

Galway Transportation and Planning Study 1999 and Integration Study 2002

Retail Strategy for Galway City 2002

Retail Planning Guidelines for 2005

Update

CIÉ in engaged in ongoing extensive public consultation with all stakeholders and members of the public with an interest in the project. Public Information days have taken place at the Hotel Meyrick, Galway on 13th and 14th March and at Galway City Library, St Augustine St on 17th and 18th July.

Please download the presentation material on display at our July consultation – (click here)

For those unable to attend or those wishing to submit further comments on the proposals, communication can be made in the following ways

By email:
galwayredevelopment@cie.ie

By Post
Galway Station Redevelopment Project Office
Architects Department
Track & Signals HQ
Inchicore Works
Dublin 8