Seán Kyne
Ceist:174. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to progress the light rail system for a Galway project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 June 2026
Ceisteanna (174, 175)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:175. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that the emerging preferred route phase of a the light rail system for Galway City GLUAS will be funded by his Department / National Transport Authority as occurred with both the Dublin Luas and Luas Cork projects; if he will confirm that Galway City Council will not be expected to bear the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently developing the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. This strategy will replace the existing 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.
On Thursday 9th April 2026, the N6 Galway City Ring Road (GCRR) was granted permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála. Following this grant of permission the NTA recommenced the development of the of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS).
As part of the development of GMATS, a Light Rail Feasibility Study was undertaken to examine the potential feasibility of light rail in Galway. The ‘Galway Light Rail Transit (LRT) Feasibility Study Report’ (Feasibility Report) was published by the NTA, for information, on 30 October 2024. The study noted that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing an LRT system in Galway. The Light Rail Feasibility Study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in the city. Instead, the final report explores key issues and potential feasibility. Route options will need to be explored in more detail during any subsequent process of options assessment and development. The information resulting from the Galway LRT Feasibility Report will be used to inform the development of the GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus services, rail, roads and demand management measures to ensure an Integrated Transport Strategy for Galway City & Environs.
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.
It is currently anticipated that the draft GMATS will go to full public consultation in late 2026/early 2027, with a finalised Strategy in place in 2027.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 174.