Ireland’s largest transport hub opens for business

Built with structural steelwork, Belfast Grand Central Station has been officially opened by Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd.

Bus stands at what is set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub are now operational, while a date for the commencement of rail services will be confirmed once the rail safety authorisation process has been completed.

Mr O’Dowd, said: “This is truly a new era for public transport here in Belfast and across the north and indeed the island of Ireland. This new flagship station is iconic as well as historic and it signals our intent in relation to our climate commitments and our focus on transport decarbonisation.

“There is no doubt that this is an impressive facility with the space to cater for up to 20 million customer journeys per year.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We are excited to be opening this modern major transport interchange. With advanced customer features and integrated networks, it offers huge opportunity to grow public transport driving economic development across the region and play a major part in tacking the climate emergency.”

Working on behalf of main contractor Farrans, Walter Watson fabricated, supplied and erected 2,400t of steelwork for the project.