Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Connolly for her question. As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and funding relating to public transport. Traffic management in Galway and other cities is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

I am advised by the National Transport Authority, NTA, that a transport strategy for Galway city was prepared by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Galway City Council and Galway County Council during 2016. That transport strategy set out an overall framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services in Galway city and its environs over a 20-year period. The strategy has been included in the new city development plan, which was adopted by the city council and came into force on 7 January 2017. I understand the transport strategy sets out the ambition for a vibrant city centre with through traffic rerouted around the central core area and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities. It also provides for an enhanced bus network, the development of park and ride sites at suitable locations and the construction of the Galway city outer bypass. Overall, the strategy represents a coherent and integrated set of proposals aimed at addressing the transport needs of the city and its surrounding areas.

With regard to congestion issues at Parkmore, I am told that Galway City Council, funded through the NTA under my Department's regional cities grant programme, has appointed a design team to examine options for possible short-term actions to address access into the business park, in addition to identifying a longer-term solution. Proposals for short-term interventions will be identified and assessed by the council by the end of February. Depending on the funding implications, I understand it may be possible to commence some of the smaller measures during 2017. It will be later in 2017 before the longer-term proposals are available. The funding requirement for the longer-term proposals is likely to be significant, and this will have to be examined in the overall budgetary context.

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