Galway Ceannt Station redevelopment under way

19 Feabhra 2024

Expanded station will be integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway

Outside our own organisation, we have redoubled our commitment to engaging with educators and supporting
agencies to encourage greater female participation. STEM subjects are a particular focus, and through our popular
Try a Trade Schools programme, we are targeting more apprentices, and working with iWish, a careers event for
second level girls interested in working in the STEM sector.

This journey for Iarnród Éireann is an essential one. We look forward to working with all our colleagues, our trade
unions and our stakeholders as we strive to reach our destination.

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.
• Improved accessibility and social inclusion, with mobility-impaired customers prioritised including a Changing Places facility and supporting access to employment and public services for those without access to a private car.
• A safer travel environment, including improved circulation within the station, and reduced pressure and congestion on footpaths on Station Road.
• Potential for significant additional frequency and capacity on rail services, so more people can travel by rail to and from Galway City.

As a gateway to the city, the investment will deliver:

• An increase in platforms in the station from two to five, supporting significantly expanded rail services well into the future.
• New southern entrance and façade to Ceannt Station, creating an attractive modern station including new customer facilities, retail units and toilet facilities.
• Enhanced connectivity and interchange between rail and bus services, making it easier and more attractive to customers to use multiple modes, 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.
• New roof on the existing train hall to transform the platform and circulation areas into bright, welcoming spaces.
• Renovations to the existing northern elevation, prioritising accessibility and customer mobility through the entire station complex.
• Infrastructure works including track and resignalling to support the increase in the number of platforms, and services including drainage etc.

The work is being carried out by BAM Ireland for Iarnród Éireann and construction is expected to be substantially complete by Q2 2026.  Rail and bus services will continue throughout the works programme, with any temporary changes in customer walking routes advised in advance.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said “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, the transformation of Ceannt Station into a true urban and regional transport hub has begun.  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.”

Speaking on the day, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD said “I’m delighted to see the work is underway on  the Ceannt Station Galway Redevelopment which is being part-funded by €20.85m under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is a €2BN fund which was established by Government to help drive more compact and sustainable development of our cities and larger towns, by supporting regenerative and sustainable projects which are in keeping with objectives under the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP).

 

The redevelopment at Ceannt Station will deliver an integrated transport hub in the heart of Galway City Centre. Through modernising the customer facing areas and increasing the platform capacity this redevelopment of the station will cater for the anticipated increased demand into the future, support the implementation of the recommendations of the National Rail Review and facilitate more compact and sustainable population growth within Galway City.

Along with project partners, I look forward to construction commencing in January 2024 and the eventual completion which will facilitate improved transport connectivity in the West.”

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare said: 

"This project forms a key part of The Galway Transport Strategy and when completed will transform the rail service for Galway City and County. Having five platforms at the newly developed Ceannt Station will provide for more frequent rail services into and out of Galway City and will also accommodate for the provision of commuter trains to Oranmore, Athenry and other towns. This will take more commuter traffic out of Galway City and ensure a more sustainable urban City Centre which aligns with The Galway Transport Strategy. This project, together with the progress on the Bus Connects will transform public transport in our City and this is most welcome"

BAM Ireland Regional Managing Director, Luke Gibbons said “BAM are delighted to be working on this project 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.”