Govt pledges backing for €1.2bn city project

Date Published: 18-Dec-2009

GALWAY Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has vowed Government support for the combined €1.2 billion redevelopment plans for Ceannt Station and the new Galway Port, which could create up to 1,000 new jobs.

The Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister described the projects as the most significant to take place in Galway City.

The news comes as city developer and businessman Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings was selected as the preferred bidder for the €1bn plan for Ceannt Station.

This week, our sister newspaper the Sentinel exclusively revealed that Mr Barrett has been chosen by CIE to act as their partner on the plans for the 14 acres at Ceannt Station.

Planning applications for both projects – which can circumvent the local planning system as they are considered Strategic Infrastructural Developments – will be lodged by the middle of 2010 directly with An Bord Pleanála.

Minister Ó Cuív said the projects are of key importance in promoting Galway as a region for investment. “The development of Galway Harbour and Ceannt Station in Galway are the most significant developments in the city for many, many years.

“I believe that it is imperative now that we progress the development of the Galway inner harbour area and of Ceannt Station as speedily as possible, while ensuring that what we get there is a coherent plan with good quality development.

“Not only will the completion of the M6 motorway between Galway and Dublin this week greatly improve access to Galway, it will also increase the competitiveness of our region in the global economy.

“Revamping of the train services, the soon-to-be reopened Galway to Limerick rail line and the future rail services to Tuam and beyond will boost our public transport.

“The development of Ceannt Station and the inner harbour area can capitalise on this upgrade of access to Galway and it is the next most significant gateway to new jobs for our region,” said the Minister. He stressed that in developing the new port, a proper balance’ between commercial and culture is needed.

“Last Summer, with the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway, the huge possibilities of the inner harbour for marine leisure and also as a natural amphitheatre were clear.