Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
184. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the actions being proposed within his Department following the publication in October 2024 of the light rail feasibility study for Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Part of the development of the new GMATS necessitates mode specific analysis 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, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand management measures.
The Light Rail Feasibility Study was published by the NTA on 30th October 2024. The Light Rail Feasibility Study is not a stand-alone document and has been published for information only. The Feasibility Study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system in Galway. The Feasibility Study does not identify a preferred alignment for light rail in the study area and is only intended to explore issues and potential feasibility. The indicative route options presented in the final report would need to be explored further, following any decision to further progress light rail for the city.
The NTA considers that it is appropriate to await An Coimisiún Pleanála’s determination on the re-submitted N6 Galway City Ring Road to adequately inform the development of the draft Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Once sufficiently developed it will be opened to full public consultation.
In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway Transport Strategy. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel, bus and rail related projects including BusConnects.
