Starbucks fail in second bid for signage at Ceannt Station

Global coffee giant Starbucks has been refused permission for signage on the front of Ceannt Station for a second time.

Planners said – contrary to Starbucks’ contention – the signage would detract from the character of the building, which dates back to 1851.

Franchise owners Megdo Limited – which opened the outlet in the train and bus station last year – lodged an application with Galway City Council in July of this year.

It came three months after a similar application was refused by the Council for what it branded an “ugly” illuminated disc.

That application caused controversy because of its proposed location – just yards from a memorial plaque marking the 1916 Rising.

Owners Colum and Ciarán Butler of Megdo said the sign in the second proposal would “be of high quality but discreet design, fixed securely to the wall masonry of the station”.

“It is designed to maximise visibility of the otherwise reserved café premises within the station building from the main pedestrian thoroughfare of Eyre Square.

“The nature of Station Road as a cul-de-sac means that generally only station users will be likely to discover the existing Starbucks café. A small-scale projecting sign with the instantly recognisable, simple branding of the café is considered to be sufficient to significantly increase awareness of and customer interest in the business,” the heritage report reads.

However, city planners disagreed, saying: “The projecting commercial corporate signage on the front of this significant protected structure of great civic value is considered to be unacceptable having regard to the City Development Plan.

“The applicant has failed to provide sufficient plans and details of the proposed sign which would fully demonstrate the impacts on the Protected Structure and show how the works would affect the character of the building.”

The city’s Heritage Officer, Dr Jim Higgins said he was “completely opposed” to the signage.

“The materials, advertising character size and design would all be out of character completely with the stonework of this highly important Protected Structure.

“It would also detract from the historical importance of the site and have an impact on the view of the plaque which commemorates the naming of the station.

“The Starbucks signs on the station’s platforms and at the door inside and to the left of one of the main doors should also be removed. They are completely non-traditional materials and are out of sympathy with the fabric of the building,” Dr Higgins said.

Environmental watchdog group An Taisce said the sign would only add to the visual clutter on the building.

The Butler brothers operate the Irish arm of Starbucks and their other Irish business interests include TGI Fridays and the Hard Rock Café.