Public urged to meet team charged with reimagining Tuam’s derelict railway site
PUBLIC consultation on ideas and the possible future uses of the extensive lands surrounding the old Tuam Railway Station will begin this week.
Galway County Council has secured funding to allow for an overall design and concept for the large site to be drawn-up by an expert team of architects.
The initial step is a drop-in information session for members of the public, local businesses and organisations, taking place tomorrow (Thursday, February 6) at the Tuam Council offices and Library on High Street from 5pm to 8.30pm.
The railway station site is included in Tuam’s Masterplan as the Tuam Station Quarter and the Council are planning a major regeneration development for the lands and buildings. The Council is also in discussions with Irish Rail to determine the footprint of available lands for inclusion in the project.
CEO of the Council Liam Conneally is mindful that the site holds many memories for people in Tuam. He acknowledges that while its redevelopment will take several years, the council is committed to the challenge.
At tomorrow’s drop-in session, representatives of the Design Team will take members of the public through the considerations, including the potential uses, opportunities, and constraints, for the site which has transformational potential for the town.
One of the main objectives for the redevelopment of the area is that it supports the growth of a strong local economy. It will also aim to encourage inward investment while retaining and integrating its existing heritage. A mix of uses is envisaged for the area that would be anchored by a public realm – streets, squares and bridges - that links to the town centre. This would help provide new public access, an enhanced streetscape, legibility and improved road and traffic circulation.
Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said last year’s funding was positive and will lead to a development that brings investment and jobs to the Tuam area.
“This is a historic site that holds a lot of memories for the people of Tuam and we need to be cognisant of that. We have an experienced team in place led by Reddy Architecture and Urbanism and, working together with our own Regeneration Team, we are approaching the master-planning of the site carefully. The Station Quarter Project ultimately is going to take a number of years to develop because of its size and complexity but this is a challenge we are determined to meet,” commented Mr Conneally.
Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services with responsibility for Planning and Economic Development continued: “We are developing this project from the outset in a spirit of partnership with the community, so we will start as we mean to go on with an open public engagement event on February 6. We look forward to meeting the public and will continue to provide further updates to the public as 2025 progresses. This is a special site and it’s a hugely exciting opportunity for Tuam.”