Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has commissioned a study on the feasibility of a light rail system for Galway city; if so, when it is expected this report will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40963/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is likely aware that, commencing in 2016, transport investment in all the major cities is guided by the development of metropolitan area transport strategies. Since 2016 transport strategies have been published in respect of the Greater Dublin Area, Galway and the Cork Metropolitan Area, while development of a transport strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area has commenced and work on the final strategy in respect of the Waterford Metropolitan Area will commence this year.
This move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.
In relation to Galway, the Deputy should be aware that the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The Strategy concluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy. There is no further feasibility study planned for light rail at present albeit I know there, and indeed have met with, advocates of what is termed a ‘very light rail’ system which I understand is technology at a very early stage of development in the United Kingdom.
I am eager to see progress on the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy and welcome the recent non-statutory consultations on two of the key Galway BusConnects corridors. I look forward to the delivery of much improved active travel infrastructure in the next few years as well as improvements to the commuter rail network, such as the proposals in relation to Ceannt Station, Oranmore Station and indeed the Athenry to Galway rail corridor generally.
