The architectural skyline of Galway will change next month when a stunning new roof will span over the five platforms at the city’s Ceannt Station.
The new roof will mimic the original 80-foot-wide wrought iron and glass roof designed by Richard Turner, who designed the glasshouses at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin and Kew Gardens, London.
The roof construction is part of a €70 million redevelopment which will expand the number of platforms from two to five.
The works which began in January 2024 and are being carried out by BAM Ireland for Irish Rail are expected to continue for at least another year, but when complete, will ensure the city has a railway station to be proud of.
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’s major cities – becomes an expanded and integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway.
The project supports 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.
Rail and bus services have continued throughout the construction works, although the car park on the southern side of the station has been temporarily closed.
A new facade and entrance is to be provided on the south side of the station. The new entrance will open into a modern “train hall” including new retail units and accessible toilets.
The new platforms allow for planned additional frequency on the Dublin to Galway route as well as commuter trains from Ennis, Athenry and Oranmore.
The redeveloped station will also be accessible from the proposed Augustine Hill development directly south of the station – a 8.5-acre urban regeneration project to include residential, culture, retail, leisure and office units.
The old entrance on the northern facade is being renovated prioritising accessibility, with an improved Bus Éireann ticket office and enhanced connectivity between bus and rail.
It aims to reduce pressure and congestion on footpaths on Station Road.Future bus bay expansion will be provided for, which is envisaged under the development of adjacent lands.
