The road closure at Ceannt Station and lack of signage are leaving visitors to the city “confused” and could affect tourism, warned city councillor Ollie Crowe who is calling for the situation to be rectified immediately.
The Fianna Fáil councillor said this week the closure of the road, which has excluded taxis from the immediate vicinity of Ceannt station, has not been properly thought out. He called for proper signage showing where the taxis are to be put in place immediately, and for greater communication between the Galway Transportation Unit and Iarnrod Éireann/Bus Éireann to “ensure all possible steps were taken with maximum efficiency”.
“Tourism is a massive component of our local economy. First impressions leave a lasting memory and unfortunately the initial view of our city is not best served by the current confusion, which occurs due to a total absence of taxis and signage as to where taxis are available,” said Cllr Crowe, who added that the situation, which has been on-going for a number of weeks, needed to be resolved as a matter of urgency.
“The station must be the only train station in Ireland where taxis are not available outside the front door. Visitors or residents returning home should not have to walk even the short distance to Eyre Square when perhaps carrying two suitcases and after a long journey. Little thought seems to have been given this prior to the beginning of the works there and it’s simply unacceptable,” said Cllr Crowe, who added that until the issue has been resolved “those with luggage, especially the elderly, should be offered assistance was required with their luggage”.
A new taxi rank with 12 spaces has been put in place 80 metres from the station, beside St Patrick’s Band Hall, however this is not yet in operation. Criticising this delay, Cllr Crowe said the new rank should have been in operation prior to the start of the works outside the station and needs to be up and running as soon as possible.
