Mixed reaction from Council to super plans

Date Published: {J}

by Frank Farragher

The new super-plan for the integrated development of Ceannt Station and the Docks got a mixed reception last evening from city councillors following a presentation by CIE and Galway Harbour Company.

Many councillors welcomed in principal the development but concerns were expressed over a lack of detail in what was being proposed and on the public transport elements of the plan.

The developments, estimated to cost in the region of €1 billion, however have the potential to change forever the urban landscape of Galway – facing the city out towards the sea – the City Council heard last night.

The Galway Harbour Village and Ceannt Station Quarter Urban Design Framework was debated on for nearly three hours at last evening’s City Council meeting – there were undertakings given from the Harbour Company and CIE that they would be willing to come back again before councillors to clarify different aspects of the project.

Design architect Sean O’Laoire told the meeting that the project represented the opportunity to re-define the city’s relationship with the waterfront.

“This will be hugely beneficial to future generations of Galwegians. It will provide a seamless link with the rest of the city, in the process creating a unique waterfront,” said Mr. O’Laoire.

Galway Harbour Company architect, Roddy Mannion, said that the Volvo Ocean Race had made people aware of the potential of the harbour area. “We can turn the city to the sea with this development,” he said.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.