Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the National Transport Authority expects to engage support services later this year to undertake the review of the Galway transport strategy and commence the review process at the end of the year. The review will be led by the NTA in co-operation with Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

The review process will include consideration of all potential transport modes including light rail. As part of the strategy review work, assessment work will be undertaken in relation to light rail. As I have noted previously, this approach will allow for a multi-modal perspective and integration within an overall land-use plan.

The NTA expects to publish a draft updated transport strategy for Galway for public consultation in quarter 3 of next year. I agree with the Deputy on the need to increase sustainable mobility options in Galway and to consider the merits of light rail as part of those options. We need to shape the city around public transport rather than roads. The review of the Galway transport strategy will look at population projections, development density, employment forecasts and travel demand patterns. This analysis will be used to reassess the public transport needs across the city and the potential role all modes of transport, including light rail, can play in meeting those needs. In the meantime, implementation will continue on the current Galway transport strategy. This includes the Galway BusConnects programme with key elements like the Salmon Weir Bridge, the cross-city link and the Dublin Road corridor advancing. Further projects include the roll-out of improved active travel infrastructure, redevelopment of Ceannt Station and the improvements planned for Oranmore station and rail track infrastructure.

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