Forum aims to get old station back on track
The public in Tuam are being asked to participate in a major discussion on the future of the old railway station in Tuam which has been closed for nearly four decades.
While Irish Rail say that they do not want a walking and cycling greenway along the track from Athenry through Tuam and onto Claremorris, they will also not give a commitment to reopening the line for train traffic.
Instead, there is a plan by Galway County Council to transform the extensive lands at Tuam Railway Station for both community and residential use.
An expert team of architects – led by Reddy Architecture and Urbanism – has been appointed to develop the future of the site commencing the public participation element of the project.
The initial step in the programme will commence with a drop-in evening on this Thursday, February 6 from 5pm to 8.30pm at the Tuam Area Office and Library.
Representatives of the design team will be on hand to take members of the public through the considerations, including the potential uses, opportunities, and constraints, for a site with transformational potential for the town.
Among the key objectives set for this historic is that it supports the growth of a strong local economy.
Others include encouraging inward investment, retaining and integrating its existing heritage and accommodating a mix of uses anchored by a public realm that links to the town centre, while at the same time delivering a high-quality urban design.
By placing a strong emphasis on public realm in the site, beneficial outcomes can include new public access; enhanced streetscape; legibility and improving road and traffic circulation.
Galway County Council will continue to provide further updates and information on the Tuam Station Quarter project as part of a broader public awareness campaign for the site over the coming months.
Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said: “We welcome the initial investment from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, which essentially underpins the project.
“It is a major vote of confidence in Tuam and is the latest positive announcement that will ultimately aim to bring investment and jobs here. This is an 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 and working together with our own regeneration team, we are approaching the master-planning of the site carefully.
“The 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 ”
Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services with responsibility for Planning and Economic Development added: “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.”
Pictured: Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally.