Platform for change: transport minister Noel Dempsey and Iarnród Éireann chairman John Lynch

Councillors in Galway are due to vote tomorrow on plans by CIé for the redevelopment of Ceannt Station in the city. The vote is part of a wider discussion by councillors on possible amendments to the draft development plan being drawn up for the city.

CIé has sought to reduce the minimum amount of residential development in any future development from 30% to 20% and also wants to be allowed define plans for a hotel on the site as residential use.

CIé owns more than 13.5 acres of land at the station. The city manager's report on the pre-draft consultation process states that "the major potential expansion area of the city centre is Ceannt Station/adjoining lands, the harbour area and the Headford road area".

CIé has previously held consultations about a strategic infrastructure development application to An Bord Pleanála regarding its plans for the site but these talks are on hold.

Local reports last month said that Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings had been selected as the preferred bidder for the joint venture redevelopment project, where work could begin by the middle of 2011.