Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the urgent expansion of public transport in Galway in view of the recent Environmental Protection Authority report (details supplied) which highlighted that the current rate of implementation of emissions reduction measures will not achieve the change necessary to meet Ireland’s climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication of the latest EPA inventories. These are a clear indication that we need to double down on implementation of climate action measures and that the transport sector is important to our decarbonisation efforts. Improving sustainable transport infrastructure and services in all our cities, including Galway, is fundamental to reducing reliance on private car journeys and meeting our challenging climate targets.
I think it important to recognise that progress is being made with a number of significant projects currently being advanced in Galway to reduce car dependency and increase the numbers walking, cycling, and using public transport. These projects are enabled by funding under the National Development Plan and guided by the Galway Transport Strategy.
BusConnects Galway comprises a major enhancement to the bus system in the city. The largest part of the programme is the development of bus priority measures inclusive of bus lanes throughout the city. Non-statutory public consultation processes were held in 2020 for two of the five proposed routes – the Dublin Road Scheme and the Cross City Link project. Work has continued on finalising the two schemes and planning permission for the Cross City Link is expected to be sought this year. It is expected that construction will also begin on the Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge this year. The Dublin Road Scheme will enter the planning process next year.
Over the last year, the entirety of the Galway city bus fleet has been replaced with 40 new hybrid double-deck buses that operate in zero tailpipe emission mode when feasible. As well as significantly reducing emissions, these buses have also increased the available capacity on Galway city bus services.
On rail, planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and the improvements planned for Oranmore Station and track infrastructure. This project will address short-term capacity constraints and enable rail frequency improvements in the region.
One of my key priorities for public transport is the rollout of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan to benefit people living outside our cities and towns. Starting this year, new and improved services will be rolled out on a phased basis across the country, including county Galway.
Progress is also being made on improving active travel infrastructure in Galway. A comprehensive cycle network is planned for the city as part of the Galway Transport Strategy. Key elements of that network are being delivered through the BusConnects programme with a number of other links of the overall network under development. Galway will also benefit from funding under the Safe Routes to School programme, with 11 schools across the city and county receiving funding in round one and additional schools set to enter the programme over the next few years.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Deputy on improving sustainable mobility options in Galway in the coming years, to help meet our climate targets and provide for better local communities.
