Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 41 of 30 November 2023, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4381/24]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, are currently updating and further developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). The new Transport Strategy, which replaces the existing strategy adopted in 2016, will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
Part of the development of the new GMATS requires mode specific analysis being undertaken, which includes a light rail feasibility study. This study is now at an advanced stage and near completion. In parallel, work is also nearing completion in the assessment of other transport modes, which will feed into the development of future transport options, and ultimately draft proposals for an integrated transport plan for the Galway Metropolitan Area.
The NTA now anticipates that the public consultation on the draft GMATS will commence in Quarter 2 of 2024. The overall transport strategy is expected to be finalised later this year, following review and consideration of the public consultation responses. This public consultation process will give stakeholders, including local groups, the opportunity to share their views on the draft GMATS and the results of the feasibility study of light rail in Galway.
Given the NTA's role in the review of the strategy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for the latest available information in relation to when the NTA expects the feasibility study on light rail in Galway to be complete and when the public consultation on the draft GMATS is expected to begin. Please contact my office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
