An Bord Pleanála has said that it will know within "two weeks" if CIÉ's multimillion proposal for Galway's city centre should be assessed under the State's new "fast-track" planning legislation.
A model and drawings of the public-private partnership project for Ceannt station were put on display by CIÉ in Galway city library yesterday as part of a two-day "public consultation".
The redeveloped "transport hub" and plans for an "urban quarter", valued at €1 billion by CIÉ, have been criticised by Labour Party president Michael D Higgins and environmental groups.
Mr Higgins, along with An Taisce and Cáirde na Gaillimhe, has questioned why only one-quarter of the site is to be used for public transport, while three-quarters is to be developed for housing, retail and commercial outlets on a long-term lease.
An Bord Pleanála told The Irish Times yesterday a further meeting is to be held this month between CIÉ's project team and its representatives. This would inform a decision on whether or not the proposal qualified under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act.
The strategic infrastructure legislation came into force at the end of January to speed up planning for major projects.
CIÉ spokesman Barry Kenny said yesterday the rail authority was preparing its application for submission to Galway City Council unless advised otherwise by An Bord Pleanála.
The public would have an opportunity today and through the company's website to make comments on the project, he said.
The development of the train and bus station aims to provide three rail platforms, allowing for intercity and commuter services, 25 bus bays and 500 parking spaces. The station will be redesigned "in keeping with the great European 'cathedral" stations", according to CIÉ. An "urban quarter" will involve some 800 residential units, including social and affordable housing, new squares and pedestrianised "zones", together with urban, retail and commercial facilities.
However, Mr Higgins has questioned why such a "huge proportion" of the site is to be disposed of by way of a long-lease for public transport which should be funded under the Government's Transport 21 initiative.
He has pointed out that high-rise buildings incorporated into the project are not provided for in Galway City Council's 2005-2011 development plan.
He has also questioned why a quality bus corridor planned for the city's east side, and incorporating a new train station, has been "eliminated" from CIÉ's presentation.
CIÉ representatives say they will be present in Galway city library on St Augustine Street today from 11am to 5pm to discuss the model on display.
