Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
151. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the Luas light rail project since the publication of the feasibility study in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31312/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including light rail.
The Programme for Government commits to examine further investment in light rail for our cities.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, has been developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS) which will replace the Galway Transport Strategy adopted in 2016 and will provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area.
Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis and this is being undertaken in the form of of a Light Rail Feasibility Study and a Strategic Roads Feasibility Study. Both studies will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multi-modal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
In Galway, the Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA in October 2024 for information and has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and public consultation process in due course. It should be noted that any future light rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
As the Deputy is aware, work on GMATS was on hold pending An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application.
An Coimisiún Pleanála recently approved the Galway City Ring Road in April 2026 which has enabled the reactivation of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy by the NTA. It is anticipated that the draft Strategy will be ready to go to public consultation in late 2026.
Noting the NTA's responsibility, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
