A visualisation of the redeveloped Ceannt station
The redevelopment of Ceannt station in Galway has taken another step forward this week as new plans are submitted for approval.
Irish Rail has sought permission from Galway City Council to demolish a two-storey office block at the station and its bridge connection to the adjoining Irish Rail building.
According to the plans, the office building is located at the eastern end of existing platform 1 and 2 at the station.
The plans were put forward on August 22 and a decision is due by October 16 this year.
It marks another move forward for the redevelopment of the railway station, which has been in the works for over a year.
The redevelopment is expected to see new platforms, increased accessibility and a new roof for the train hall.
Iarnród Éireann outlined its ambitious plans for better growth, sustainability, and enhanced connectivity in Galway at a briefing with regional stakeholders at the Hardiman Hotel.
“With a 2,200 km rail network serving 146 stations and over 50 million journeys completed last year, Iarnród Éireann is committed to strengthening regional connectivity, supporting compact growth, and playing a key role in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan,” said a spokesperson. “Plans for Galway are at the heart of an ambitious national strategy, which political, business, tourism and other stakeholders were updated on.
The €24million redevelopment of Ceannt Station is funded by the Department of Housing’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and the National Transport Authority. It will ensure Ceannt Station becomes an “expanded and integrated transport hub” in the heart of Galway.
Improvements to the station will include:
- 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 project is on schedule to be substantially completed by mid-2026.