Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the NTA expects to commence the review of the 2016 Galway transport strategy and the development of a new Galway metropolitan area transport strategy by the end of this year. The NTA will appoint a specialist team through an open tender process to assist it, in conjunction with Galway city and county councils, in undertaking work on developing the strategy. The tendering process for the specialist team has yet to commence formally but will be advertised through the appropriate channels. The ambition is that the team will be appointed and work will commence before the end of this year. The programme of works will contain a comprehensive review of all transport options. This will look at walking, cycling, bus, rail, park and ride and traffic management, including the management of goods movement. It will specifically include a feasibility assessment for light rail in Galway city. The NTA will undertake a comprehensive public consultation exercise on a draft strategy as part of the development process. This is likely to be in the summer of next year with an expected publication of a final strategy in quarter three of next year. The development of the new Galway transport strategy will not impede the current investment in transport infrastructure in Galway. A significant amount of planning and design has already taken place which will enable construction activity in the coming years across active travel and bus and rail-related projects, including BusConnects. I am sure the Deputy joins me in welcoming Galway City Council's application this month to An Bord Pleanála for the BusConnects cross-city link. I look forward to the development of the new Galway metropolitan area transport strategy and will continue to provide support in delivering key elements of the existing strategy, pending its development.

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