Diggers will break ground within six weeks on the long-awaited and much-needed re-development of Ceannt Station, the main rail hub in the city centre.
The work will include the construction of five platforms to replace the existing two, and enable significantly expanded rail services well into the future.
The multi-million euro plan will also result in enhanced connectivity and interchange between rail and bus services, and including improved accessibility and waiting areas, as well as Bus Éireann ticket office improvements. Additionally, future bus bay expansion will be provided for, which is envisaged under the development of adjacent lands.
The redevelopment is funded by the Department of Housing’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF ) and the National Transport Authority. It will ensure Ceannt Station — perhaps the best located railway and bus station in Ireland — becomes an expanded and integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway.
The project will support the sustainable growth and development envisaged for the city under Project Ireland 2040. It also supports Galway City Council’s strategic development goal of creating a public transport hub for the city at Ceannt station, as part of the Galway Transport Strategy.
The work will include the construction of a new roof on the existing train hall to transform the platform and circulation areas into bright, welcoming spaces.
There will also be renovations to the existing northern elevation, prioritising accessibility and customer mobility through the entire station complex.
Infrastructure works including track and resignalling will support the increase in the number of platforms, and services including drainage etc.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann told the Galway Advertiser that what we are doing in Galway represents our vision for rail being the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network, and that of our major regional cities.
"Working with a range of agencies, and within the wider plan for the Ceannt Station area, we look forward to BAM Ireland shovels going into the ground in January coming, to begin the transformation of Ceannt Station into a true urban and regional transport hub," he said.
"Our customers, and the wider economy and community of Galway, will benefit hugely from this project. As a Sustainable Development Goals Champion, bringing more sustainable transport to more communities is central to all that we do," he concluded.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD said he is delighted to see that a contract has been awarded for the Ceannt Station Galway Redevelopment which is being part-funded by €20.85m under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF ).
BAM Ireland Regional Managing Director, Luke Gibbons said BAM is delighted to be commencing the Redevelopment Works at Ceannt Station in the New Year for Iarnród Éireann.
"The sustainability agenda of this project aligns very well with BAM’s own strategic objectives of building a sustainable tomorrow and enhancing the lives of the people we touch with our projects. BAM look forward to working collaboratively with Iarnród Éireann to successfully deliver this vital element of infrastructure for the Galway Region.”
Minister Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the news, adding that Ceannt Station has served the people of Galway well for decades but is now in need of substantial redevelopment.
"This will now commence in January giving Galway a fit for purpose integrated transport hub,” Minister Naughton said. "During my time as Minister of State in the Department of Transport, I was pleased to launch the tender process for the redevelopment of the station in December last year, and I am particularly delighted to see a project that I supported come to fruition,” the Minister indicated.
