Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Grealish for his question. There has been very strong growth and an increase in employment in the Galway area in recent years and it has exacerbated the problems that were already in existence in the city, which now has a population of 90,000 in the immediate city area. As Deputy Grealish is aware, the overall transport strategy was prepared by the National Transport Authority, NTA, in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council during the course of 2016. That strategy set out the overall framework for the development of a transport infrastructure and services in Galway city and its environs over the next 20 years. The strategy has been included now in the city development plan that was adopted by the city council on 7 January this year. That sets out a strategy for a vibrant city where traffic is rerouted through the central core area, there are improved pedestrian and cycling facilities and it also provides for an enhanced bus network which will provide a much improved public transport service. It also provides for the development of park and ride facilities at suitable locations. I am advised that the existing service from the racecourse, which was developed over the Christmas period, was very successful.

To respond directly to Deputy Grealish's question, the transport strategy also includes the Galway city outer bypass, which is recognised as an absolute priority, as the Deputy will understand. Overall, the transport strategy represents a coherent set of propositions to deal with Galway in the medium and longer term. It is important to stress that all of the proposals cannot be delivered at once, nor is any single option the panacea for Galway city and the general area, which will increase in population significantly in the next 20 years. Elements of the bus network and parking facilities will help the situation in their own way but the priority is to implement the transport strategy.

Deputy Grealish mentioned Parkmore business park where there is significant traffic congestion on a constant basis. Work has been progressed there to develop both a short term and long-term solution to Parkmore. Galway City Council, funded through the NTA, under the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has appointed a design team to examine options for possible short-term additions to address access to the business park and exits from it, in addition to identifying a longer term solution. Proposals will be identified and assessed by the end of February and, depending on the funding implications, I understand it may be possible to commence some of the smaller measures during 2017. The design team will evaluate options for the longer term and a more comprehensive solution to access employment lands may include a reconfiguration of the Monivea Road and Parkmore Road junction or the Monivea and No. 6, Briarhill, junction as well as the provision of further park and ride arrangements.

See this speech in context