Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
24. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 4 May 2023, the status of the promised feasibility study for light rail in Galway; if the feasibility study has commenced; the details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the team carrying out the feasibility study since the appointment of the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30009/23]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, have commenced the process of developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This strategy will replace the current Galway Transport Strategy.
Following an open tender competition process, the NTA have appointed consultants to manage the development of the new strategy. The programme of works will contain a comprehensive review of all transport options in the Galway metropolitan area. This will examine walking, cycling, bus, rail, park and ride, and traffic management, including management of goods movement. It will specifically include a feasibility assessment for light rail in Galway City.
The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft strategy as part of the development process by the end of this year.
In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.
