Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
520. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 15 February 2018, the engagement that has taken place with the NTA regarding funding; the progress that has been made regarding the development of park-and-ride sites; the sites identified east and west of Galway city, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I and my Department are not involved in the administration of that funding to particular projects such as park-and-ride facilities, but rather Exchequer funding is provided from the Transport Vote on an aggregate basis to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to support sustainable transport projects implemented by the local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and regional cities, including Galway. Under the enhanced capital investment secured in Budget 2018, it is planned that €135m of capital funding will be allocated in this way over the period 2018–21 for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects. This programme includes traffic management, bus priority and other smarter travel projects, which will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion.
The NTA works closely with the relevant Local Authorities in determining the most appropriate and effective infrastructure projects. The Galway Transport Strategy (GTS), which was published by Galway County Council, identifies park-and-ride as a key component of its future transport infrastructure. Decisions about investment in park-and-ride facilities at specific sites will be a matter for the NTA and relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
