Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her kind words. As she is aware the National Transport Authority published a light rail feasibility study for Galway last October for information. The study was prepared as part of a mode-specific analysis undertaken for the development of the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which the NTA is developing, in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. A strategic roads feasibility study is also being undertaken. The findings from both studies will be used to inform the development of a new multi-modal strategy, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus services, rail, road and demand management measures.

The light rail feasibility study has shown that there could, under the right conditions, be a case for developing a light rail system for Galway. It should be noted that any future rail project in Galway will only be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant Government approval under the infrastructure guidelines. The feasibility study is not intended to specifically identify a preferred alignment of a light rail corridor in Galway. Instead, it 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 feasibility study will form part of the evidence base used as an input into the development of the new Galway metropolitan area transport strategy, which will be subject to a full environmental analysis and a public consultation process in due course. Implementation of any recommendations identified in the new strategy will be subject to the availability of funding as might be available under the relevant national development plan.

This plan-led, long-term and multi-modal approach to transport infrastructure delivery is in line with international best practice. It is important we consider a metropolitan area's transport requirements in the round rather than through the narrow prism of one specific mode. I accept what the Deputy's question asked and I look forward to working with her to improve transport in Galway.

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