[Article] Public submissions on Ceannt Station sought

Victor

Ah yes, build 2,000+ car parking spaces but provide as little solid information as possible.

http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/news_centre/general_news.asp?action=view&news_id=239

Ceannt Station Quarter - a new Transport Hub and Urban Quarter for Galway by Corporate Communications

CIÉ has unveiled a major €1 billion plan to develop a new world-class transport interchange for the West of Ireland at Galway’s Ceannt Station, at the heart of a new urban quarter for the city.

Rail and bus service expansion
Rail and bus services are set to expand dramatically under the Transport 21 investment programme, funded by the Irish Government, including developments such as:
- Hourly peak, and two-hourly off-peak Galway-Dublin Intercity rail services
- Opening of Western Rail Corridor providing direct Galway-Limerick and Galway-Mayo rail services
- Provision of Galway commuter rail services
- New and enhanced Bus Éireann Expressway and local services
- Increased frequency and improved city bus services
By 2015, rail demand is projected to increase as a result of the enhanced services from 1.25 million journeys through the station annually to 3 million. Bus passengers will also more than double from 1.8 million to almost 4 million.


A new transport hub at the heart of Galway
To cater for these new and enhanced services and growth in demand, Ceannt Station will be developed into a world-class transport interchange for the West of Ireland in the heart of Galway city.
The integrated facility will enhance rail capacity through the development of three full-length platforms, allowing for Intercity and Commuter service expansion.
A total of 25 dedicated bus bays will be provided at the interchange to facilitate the expected increase in bus passengers.
As well as enhanced public transport links to Ceannt Station, approximately 500 parking spaces dedicated for public transport users will be available, and enhanced set-down facilities for cars, and rank facilities for taxis will also be provided.
Iarnród Éireann Architects have proposed a station design in keeping with the great European ‘cathedral’ stations, with a vaulted roof structure to give a customer-friendly environment maximising light and space. Buildings such as Berlin’s new train station and London’s British Museum have utilised this approach to dramatic effect.


Ceannt Station Quarter – a new Urban Quarter for Galway
The new transport interchange will be at the heart of the 5.97 hectare CIÉ property, presenting a unique opportunity to create an exemplar of urban design in this most cosmopolitan yet distinctly Irish city.
The proposed development of ‘Ceannt Station Quarter’ will deliver to the people of Galway a new city quarter which will complement and enhance the existing Galway City area. A vibrant, mixed-use quarter is envisaged, encapsulating:
- Cultural and community facilities, enhancing Galway’s standing as Ireland’s cultural capital
- New homes in the City, through 800 residential units, including social and affordable housing
- New squares and pedestrianised zones, to ensure that the unique ambience of Galway extends into the new quarter
- Urban retail and commercial facilities, to enhance the economic development of the city, and provide employment
- Leisure facilities, to benefit the city and wider West of Ireland region
- Bars, restaurants and hotels, boosting the social and tourism infrastructure of the city and region
- Existing protected structures, which will be preserved and incorporate into the new Ceannt Station Quarter
- High quality, environmentally sustainable urban design, with energy saving technology Ceannt Station Quarter will be a crossroads in the city of Galway, linking the medieval core of the city with the harbour front.
The land use and planning policy framework for the development of Ceannt Station Quarter are supported by a range of national, regional and local guidelines and plans, including:
- National Spatial Strategy 2004
- Regional Planning Guidelines for the West Region 2004
- Galway City Development Plan 2005-2011
- Galway Transportation and Planning Study 1999 and Integration Study 2002
- Retail Strategy for Galway City 2002
- Retail Planning Guidelines for 2005


Next Steps
CIÉ will now prepare a planning application for Ceannt Station Quarter.
It is expected that the application will be lodged in September of this year, and will include public consultation on the plans.
It is hoped that construction on the site can commence in 2008, with the transport interchange to be developed first.
Furthermore, the company will immediately advertise to seek expressions of interest from developers to deliver commercial components of scheme, which will totally finance the investment in public transport and social infrastructure in Ceannt Station Quarter.
Dr John Lynch, Chairman of CIÉ, said of Ceannt Quarter “we in CIÉ look forward to delivering to the people of Galway and the West of Ireland the best possible transport facilities, and a new urban quarter which complements and enhances the best of Galway.”
For a brochure with images of Ceannt Station Quarter, please click here.


Ceannt Station Quarter – facts and figures
Site Area - circa 6 hectares (14.75ac)
Value - €1 billion
Investment in Public transport Infrastructure - €85m
Investment in Social Infrastructure (public spaces and cultural facilities) - €45m
Gross Direct Employment potential of scheme - 3,500 jobs
Car spaces for public transport users - 500
Gross Office Floorspace - 23,000m2
Gross Retail Floorspace - 37,000m2
Residential Units - circa 800
Car spaces for commercial and residential uses - 1,555