Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
130. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport when the public consultation for the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS) will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46229/26]
View answerThe NTA, in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, is developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS). This strategy will replace the existing Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) adopted in 2016 and will provide a new long-term strategic planning framework for the delivery of transport and the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the Galway Metropolitan Area over a 20-year period.
Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis undertaken in the form 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.
The NTA had considered it appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road application before progressing further with GMATS, given the influence this project would have on the transport strategy.
The N6 Galway City Ring Road was granted permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála on Thursday 9th April 2026. Following this grant of permission the NTA have re-engaged with the GMATS project team, and work commenced on the development of the new Strategy.
The draft GMATS, once finalised, will be subject to a full public consultation, and will set down multi-modal transport proposals for the Galway Metropolitan Area, including recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads, and demand-management measures.
It is anticipated that the draft GMATS will go to public consultation in late 2026/ early 2027, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.
