One of the new iconic structures of the changing face of Galway is currently entering a crucial stage.
Work is progressing well on the redevelopment of Ceannt Station where the roof is currently being erected. The curved glazed roof will cover the station area and the enhanced station will see the number of platforms increasing from two to five, supporting significantly expanded rail services well into the future.
The roof reinstates the profile of the original curved roof from 1851, which was designed by Richard Turner who designed the glasshouses of Dublin’s Botanical Gardens. It contains 432 laminated glass panes, which overlap in a tiered fashion to allow daylight and natural ventilation into the concourse.
The new curved roof steel trusses sit on the existing historic ashlar stone walls and cast-iron colonnade, which will all be brought back to its original condition as part of the redevelopment.
A curved zinc roof adjoins the main roof to the south and will face the new Augustine Hill development, with the roof work is expected to be complete this Autumn,
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 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 redeveloped station will support:
Galway’s environment and economy, supporting modal shift to sustainable public and active travel modes; reduced emissions; improved city retail facilities.
Integration of improved rail and bus facilities with compact land use development, in particular the proposed Augustine Hill development directly south of the station.
The work is being carried out by BAM Ireland for Iarnród Éireann and construction is expected to be substantially complete by middle of 2026.
Rail and bus services continue to operate from the station throughout the works programme, with any temporary changes in customer walking routes advised in advance.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireanntold the Advertiser that it is exciting for Iarnród Éireann to see this project reach this key milestone.
“The redevelopment of this station will provide a modern, sustainable and greatly enhanced facility, which will serve the people of Galway and its millions of visitors for generations to come,” he said.
