Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 119 together.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht na gceisteanna tábhachtacha. Aontaím léi faoi chathair na Gaillimhe. The National Transport Authority is currently developing the Galway metropolitan area transport strategy in conjunction with Galway City Council and Galway County Council. It will replace the existing Galway transport strategy the Deputy referred to, which was adopted in 2016. It is important to note that while the development continues, investment in Galway's transport network continues.

It is taking place in line with the existing strategy. The Deputy will no doubt be aware of, and welcome, the funding the Government has made available to support the redevelopment of Ceannt Station, the expansion of Oranmore Station, the progression of BusConnects Galway, delivery of active travel projects in the city and county on a scale we have not seen before and the opening of the Moycullen bypass.

As part of the development of the new strategy, mode-specific analysis in the form of a light rail feasibility study and a strategic roads feasibility study will form part of the analysis used to inform the development of the multimodal GMATS, alongside recommendations for active travel, bus, rail, roads and demand-management measures. The light rail feasibility study was published by the NTA on 30 October 2024. That feasibility study is not a stand-alone document and has been published for information only. The feasibility study does not identify a preferred alignment for light rail in the study area and is only intended to explore issues and potential feasibility. The indicative route options presented in the final report would need to be explored further, following any decision to further progress light rail for the city.

I know the Deputy will be acutely aware that in January 2023, the High Court remitted the application for approval of the N6 Galway city ring road back to An Coimisiún Pleanála for further consideration. Galway County Council submitted an updated environmental impact assessment report and the Natura impact statement to An Coimisiún Pleanála on 15 April 2025 in relation to the N6 Galway city ring road. The NTA is of the view, and I agree, that this updated information must be considered in the preparation of the strategic roads feasibility study and the GMATS and prior to publication of a draft strategy for public consultation.

That decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála will be critical to how the overall transport system works. I know this is a matter close to the Deputy’s heart, so I am not trying in any way to be disagreeable but I want to acknowledge the projects that are happening and are in place. The ring road will be critical in the decision on the future of the city of Galway and its transport network.

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